My partner and I are The median home value here is around $702,200, which is pretty steep. Average temperature is around 60--F, so the weather is moderate. You can expect to pay around $2,279 for rent here. Rent is about $2,279/month for a decent place. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Would love some local perspective. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
24 upvotes
2 Replies
Ruth R.
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
32 upvotes
Cheryl S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 49, moved here 12 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Oak Park and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The pet-friendliness situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- West: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Portland, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
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