Longtime lurker here, My family moved here when I was a kid. Poverty rate is 15.8%, which is higher than I expected. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. What do you all think?
16 upvotes
5 Replies
Benjamin Wilson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 5 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
Christian Jones
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
31 upvotes
Evan Young
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 57, moved here 13 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in East and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The housing market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Chicago, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
18 upvotes
Emmett Gonzalez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely pretty good and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Eastside) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
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