Anyone else feel this way? My family moved here when I was a kid. Household incomes average around $58,291 in Goulds. Poverty rate is 17.1%, which is higher than I expected. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Let me know your thoughts. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
0 upvotes
13 Replies
Sebastian Nelson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely average and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
38 upvotes
Isaiah Wright
Bought a house here in 2023 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
36 upvotes
Zoey Ruiz
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. community vibe used to be much reasonable but now it's surprisingly good.
35 upvotes
Elizabeth Jones
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Riverside area are tough. Kids love it here.
34 upvotes
Silas Richardson
Came here for family and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The school system is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
31 upvotes
Emma Morgan
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
29 upvotes
Thomas
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 5 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland 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..
29 upvotes
Aiden Collins
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 56, moved here 8 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Westside and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The nightlife situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for families. solid vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K 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.
27 upvotes
Julian Evans
I've lived in Oak Park for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The outdoor recreation scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
24 upvotes
Emmett Torres
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great Southern places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
21 upvotes
Jose Ward
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
19 upvotes
Gianna Adams
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great craft beer places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
3 upvotes
Lillian Sanders
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The safety is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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