The median home value here is around $671,800, which is pretty steep. Median household income is $120,324, which feels pretty solid for the area. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Anyone in a similar situation?
12 upvotes
10 Replies
Luca Reyes
this is the way
36 upvotes
Declan Sanders
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
35 upvotes
Nevaeh M.
nah I disagree
33 upvotes
Julian R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 53, moved here 14 years ago from Portland. I've lived in West and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The safety situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Portland, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
31 upvotes
Reagan Thompson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Midtown) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
31 upvotes
Bella Hall
great question, following
22 upvotes
Jean P.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is tough in most areas.