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atlguy2023
qa
Is public transit usable in Ives Estates?
So, It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
27 upvotes
29 Replies
Savannah Foster
yeah no that's not right
40 upvotes
Leonardo Evans
100%
40 upvotes
Leonardo Jackson
facts
38 upvotes
Samuel Brown
haha yep pretty much
37 upvotes
Sofia Alvarez
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The healthcare is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
32 upvotes
Douglas B.
accurate
29 upvotes
Emilia Sanchez
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The pet-friendliness is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
29 upvotes
Waylon Myers
thanks for sharing
28 upvotes
Mackenzie Collins
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
24 upvotes
Jaxon Diaz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 50, moved here 13 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Uptown and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The weather situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Raleigh, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K 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.
Background: I'm a accountant, 50, moved here 13 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Uptown and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The weather situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Raleigh, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K 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.
23 upvotes
Nolan Foster
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Oak Park for 3 years. Moved from Tampa for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Oak Park schools are solid. 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. Winters are long and cold. Chain restaurants dominate. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Oak Park for 3 years. Moved from Tampa for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Oak Park schools are solid. 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. Winters are long and cold. Chain restaurants dominate. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Julia Evans
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Austin about 8 years ago. The main reasons were weather and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good schools in most areas
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are manageable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Austin about 8 years ago. The main reasons were weather and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good schools in most areas
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are manageable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
21 upvotes
Declan
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in South. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in finance. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Hope this helps!.
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in South. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in finance. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Hope this helps!.
19 upvotes
local_samuel94
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Dallas about 2 years ago. The main reasons were school and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Dallas about 2 years ago. The main reasons were school and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
13 upvotes
Cooper C.
Saving this thread
11 upvotes
Bennett Johnson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 54, moved here 12 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Westside and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The housing market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Dallas, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
Background: I'm a project manager, 54, moved here 12 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Westside and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The housing market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Dallas, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
10 upvotes
Ethan White
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
10 upvotes
Bennett Wilson
I'm a sales manager and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
8 upvotes
Susan C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 6 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
I've been here 6 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
6 upvotes
Gabriel Allen
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is traffic. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
5 upvotes
Matthew D.
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 4 years. Moved from Phoenix for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have state parks 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 solid. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Property taxes are high. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Old Town for 4 years. Moved from Phoenix for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have state parks 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 solid. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Property taxes are high. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
Lillian Wilson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 37, moved here 6 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Old Town and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The school system situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for couples. 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 Baltimore, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 37, moved here 6 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Old Town and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The school system situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for couples. 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 Baltimore, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
5 upvotes
Riley Kelly
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The nightlife is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
4 upvotes
Emilia Wright
hard disagree but ok
3 upvotes
John Torres
Moved here from Nashville about 3 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to nightlife but Good luck with whatever you decide..
3 upvotes
Daniel D.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 10 years. Moved from San Diego for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. East schools are excellent. 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. Winters are long and cold. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in East for 10 years. Moved from San Diego for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. East schools are excellent. 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. Winters are long and cold. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
2 upvotes
Ariana Rogers
it depends on the neighborhood
2 upvotes
Austin Jones
+1
1 upvotes
Avery Bennett
interesting, hadn't considered that
1 upvotes