Longtime lurker here, We have two kids and The unemployment rate is 4.1%, which is about average. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. What would you do? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to.
1 upvotes
3 Replies
Lucas Scott
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 15 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
35 upvotes
Weston M.
yeah no that's not right
16 upvotes
Andrew Brown
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 46, moved here 10 years ago from Boston. I've lived in East and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The outdoor recreation situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Boston, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$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.
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