Hi all, Been living here since 2009. You can expect to pay around $902 for rent here. Median household income is $46,441, which feels on the lower side for the area. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Any advice would be great. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
4 upvotes
4 Replies
Sophia J.
it depends on the neighborhood
39 upvotes
seattle_reagan
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 8 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
31 upvotes
Piper Allen
it depends on the neighborhood
8 upvotes
Brooklyn Walker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 39, moved here 13 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The weather situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K 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.
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