I'm retired and With a population of 32,502, Garfield is a smaller city. You can expect to pay around $1,612 for rent here. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Would love some local perspective.
0 upvotes
6 Replies
Elena Roberts
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 5 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
39 upvotes
Elijah
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 3 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
30 upvotes
Lucy Thomas
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 13 years. Moved from Houston for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are surprisingly good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Winters are long and cold. Limited entertainment options. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Daniel
Came here for family and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The healthcare is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
9 upvotes
Roman Lopez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Old Town. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in real estate. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
6 upvotes
Autumn Cox
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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