Not sure if this has been asked before, but Been living here since 2009. Crime rate is something to consider -Greenlawn sits at 22.0 per 100K. Homes are going for about $626,700 on average. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. What do you all think? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
15 upvotes
5 Replies
Daniel M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 32, moved here 13 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Oak Park and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The job market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Phoenix, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
35 upvotes
Paisley Wright
lol so true
33 upvotes
Joseph Morales
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much established but now it's better than expected.
12 upvotes
Noah Price
This.
6 upvotes
Claire Kim
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Boston about 7 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is average.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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