Curious what people think. My family moved here when I was a kid. You can expect to pay around $691 for rent here. Household incomes average around $27,582 in Highland Park. Rent is about $691/month for a decent place. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
4 upvotes
12 Replies
Anna B.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if dating scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
38 upvotes
Gabriella
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Charlotte about 6 years ago. The main reasons were weather and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is average.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Definitely worth checking out..
36 upvotes
Joshua W.
I've lived in Sunset for about 14 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 Portland, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
- The cost of living scene is improving
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
34 upvotes
Owen
hard disagree but ok
32 upvotes
denverlocal2021
couldn't agree more
26 upvotes
Elizabeth Hill
great question, following
24 upvotes
river_angel91
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Westside. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in retail. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
21 upvotes
Lucas Phillips
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is nightlife. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
12 upvotes
Dennis R.
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
7 upvotes
Ann M.
this is the way
6 upvotes
Kaylee
it depends on the neighborhood
5 upvotes
Michael G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 42, moved here 12 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Springfield and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The nightlife situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for families. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Austin, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
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