I'm a college student here and Poverty rate is 1.4%, which is pretty low. The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. It's a a small town city with about 12,313 people. You can expect to pay around $1,276 for rent here. Median household income is $117,518, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
12 upvotes
13 Replies
Hailey
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The dating scene is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
36 upvotes
Kathleen M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Cedar Grove. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in tech. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Hope this helps!.
36 upvotes
Roman B.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Oak Park. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
No regrets on my end..
31 upvotes
carter_guy
+1
26 upvotes
Luna Martinez
accurate
26 upvotes
Wyatt
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 37, moved here 5 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Springfield and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The public transit situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good 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 Chicago, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
26 upvotes
Olivia M.
thanks for sharing
24 upvotes
Leonardo Collins
preach
20 upvotes
Connor
Moved here last year, no regrets.
18 upvotes
Sebastian Wood
hmm interesting perspective
13 upvotes
Austin Carter
I've lived in Uptown for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
- The community vibe scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
13 upvotes
Ian O.
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
12 upvotes
Kinsley Nguyen
Bought a house here in 2023 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
All Countries
