I work in legal and With a population of 17,469, Idylwood is a small town. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
14 upvotes
5 Replies
jayden_rider
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 58, moved here 14 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Greenfield and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited shopping options
3. The community vibe situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for retirees. improving 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 Atlanta, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K 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.
37 upvotes
Olivia E.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
32 upvotes
urban_avery84
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely improving and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Westside) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
19 upvotes
santiago_lover
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Oak Park. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in construction. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like seafood.
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