Random thought, The unemployment rate is 3.7%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $454,300 on average. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. What neighborhoods would you suggest? The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
22 upvotes
6 Replies
Cora Turner
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 33, moved here 10 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Riverside and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The traffic situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for singles. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Seattle, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K 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.
40 upvotes
Victoria Hill
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely tough and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Fairview) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
28 upvotes
Ella Ross
Saving this thread
27 upvotes
Samuel Bailey
Bought a house here in 2018 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
16 upvotes
oaklandlife2024
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 39, moved here 7 years ago from Austin. I've lived in West and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The school system situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for young professionals. challenging 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 Austin, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
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