Been meaning to ask this. I'm retired and You can expect to pay around $1,034 for rent here. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Am I overthinking this? Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
10 upvotes
3 Replies
Joshua W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 26, moved here 8 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Oak Park and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The public transit situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. average vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 San Francisco, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K 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.
25 upvotes
tampa_declan
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the Downtown side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
16 upvotes
Grayson Perez
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..