So, Average temperature is around 43--F, so bundle up in winter. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Has anyone dealt with this? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
10 upvotes
6 Replies
William Ramirez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
38 upvotes
Helen W.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Cedar Grove. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in real estate. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
37 upvotes
Eugene E.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 24, moved here 2 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Oak Park and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Can feel isolated
3. The job market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for young professionals. solid vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Dallas, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K 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.
26 upvotes
Robert W.
Used to live on the Springfield side, now on the Highland side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
24 upvotes
Brian A.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 8 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
18 upvotes
Grace P.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Tampa about 8 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are manageable, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. No regrets on my end..
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