Hey, I grew up here but left for a while. Average temperature is around 61--F, so the weather is moderate. The median home value here is around $439,300, which is pretty steep. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
0 upvotes
9 Replies
Virginia A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 57, moved here 10 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Greenfield and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good airport with direct flights
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. Property taxes are high
3. The walkability situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Houston, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K 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.
40 upvotes
Jacob W.
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Oak Park area are average. Kids love it here.
37 upvotes
Skylar Ortiz
underrated comment
31 upvotes
Christian R.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
26 upvotes
Elizabeth Martin
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want community vibe, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
26 upvotes
Sarah Mendoza
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 26, moved here 13 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Lakewood and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Denver, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
11 upvotes
Maya Davis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 39, moved here 7 years ago from Miami. I've lived in The Heights and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The walkability situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Miami, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
9 upvotes
Ryan Howard
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to San Diego it's improving.
8 upvotes
Luke Gonzalez
The food scene here is average. Tons of great Asian places. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
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