Not sure if this has been asked before, but The unemployment rate is 3.0%, which is pretty low. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Any advice would be great. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
12 upvotes
9 Replies
Easton C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely solid and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Eastside) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
38 upvotes
Emma Myers
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Atlanta about 2 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are established, gas is tough.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Adrian Gray
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
22 upvotes
Leo J.
100%
21 upvotes
Hazel
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 49, moved here 4 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Oak Park and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The pet-friendliness situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. solid vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Austin, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
21 upvotes
Wesley Sanchez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Houston about 11 years ago. The main reasons were school and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is improving.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
15 upvotes
Gianna Ross
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Austin it's underrated.
3 upvotes
Aaron Hughes
I've lived in Highland for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The pet-friendliness scene is tough
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
2 upvotes
Aurora K.
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much affordable but now it's pretty good.
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