Not sure if this has been asked before, but Rent is about $907/month for a decent place. It's a a smaller city city with about 27,830 people. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Am I overthinking this?
22 upvotes
26 Replies
omaha_parker
hmm interesting perspective
38 upvotes
Isabella Bennett
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
37 upvotes
Jace Jones
following this thread
36 upvotes
Eleanor Hill
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
36 upvotes
Kai S.
been saying this for years
34 upvotes
Kinsley
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Springfield area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
31 upvotes
Maya R.
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
28 upvotes
real_bella44
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 38, moved here 3 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in East and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Close to major attractions
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. Can feel isolated
3. The public transit situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for retirees. better than expected 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 Phoenix, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K 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.
27 upvotes
Cameron Bailey
been saying this for years
26 upvotes
Austin Lee
honestly same experience here
25 upvotes
tampachef2025
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
22 upvotes
Cooper
accurate
20 upvotes
Sofia Ruiz
I'm a data analyst and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
19 upvotes
Silas W.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
17 upvotes
Kayden
preach
17 upvotes
Aubrey Adams
100%
14 upvotes
Christian Taylor
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 5 years. Moved from New York for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is improving - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are underrated. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Far from beaches/mountains. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Andrew R.
I'm a data analyst and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
14 upvotes
Jameson Hughes
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 6 years. Moved from Chicago for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are hit or miss. 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. Limited public transit options. Road conditions need improvement. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Samuel Walker
I've lived in Oak Park for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
- The dating scene scene is average
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Feel free to reach out with questions..
12 upvotes
Zoey James
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 12 years. Moved from Chicago for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is average - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are better than expected. 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. Limited public transit options. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Victoria Parker
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
8 upvotes
Theodore Hughes
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is improving in most areas.
5 upvotes
Daniel L.
seconding this
1 upvotes
Adam T.
glad someone said it
0 upvotes
Cooper H.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
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