Hello, Homes are going for about $213,200 on average. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. What would you do? Any help is appreciated. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
24 upvotes
13 Replies
Parker J.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 9 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
37 upvotes
Sebastian Y.
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
35 upvotes
Alice
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Oak Park. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in education. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Asian.
No regrets on my end..
33 upvotes
Liam M.
haha yep pretty much
31 upvotes
Abigail R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 5 years. Moved from Dallas for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. hospitality 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Limited entertainment options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Camila Kim
I'm a marketing manager and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
29 upvotes
Alexander Martin
Saving this thread
19 upvotes
Gabriel
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Baltimore about 7 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are stable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Happy to answer more specific questions..
17 upvotes
Audrey
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 35, moved here 5 years ago from Portland. I've lived in The Heights and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Close to major attractions
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Can feel isolated
3. The outdoor recreation situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
15 upvotes
Nevaeh Ortiz
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
14 upvotes
Brooks R.
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great sushi places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
12 upvotes
Lucas Lopez
Moved here from Baltimore about 9 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to walkability but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
11 upvotes
Josiah C.
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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