Hey folks, The unemployment rate is 2.1%, which is pretty low. Thanks for reading. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
4 upvotes
26 Replies
larunner2024
seconding this
39 upvotes
Aaliyah Scott
yep
37 upvotes
proud_kai69
100%
37 upvotes
Henry Hernandez
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
37 upvotes
Zoey
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Uptown. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in education. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
35 upvotes
Ezekiel Peterson
not my experience at all
35 upvotes
Genesis M.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is decent in most areas.
31 upvotes
Wesley Castillo
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
27 upvotes
Walter G.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Atlanta about 6 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are stable, gas is decent.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
26 upvotes
Joe M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely pretty good and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Riverside) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
25 upvotes
Adam Cox
I'm a lawyer and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
25 upvotes
Sharon C.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if community vibe matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
24 upvotes
Waylon Walker
literally same
21 upvotes
Ellie A.
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much established but now it's pretty good.
20 upvotes
Alexa Ruiz
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is challenging in most areas.
18 upvotes
Alexander Nelson
lol so true
17 upvotes
Stella
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 37, moved here 10 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in West and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited shopping options
3. The healthcare situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Diego, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K 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.
16 upvotes
Clara T.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
16 upvotes
Evan
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 7 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
11 upvotes
Arianna Mendoza
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great Indian places. I love the pace of life here.
10 upvotes
Ezra Gray
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
9 upvotes
Robert Miller
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
6 upvotes
Emma Collins
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 4 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into running, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
4 upvotes
Paisley Garcia
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Portland about 1 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are affordable, gas is solid.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
3 upvotes
Sophia Kim
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
All Countries
