I'm originally from Memphis and It's a a smaller city city with about 27,068 people. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
17 upvotes
9 Replies
Clara Evans
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
40 upvotes
Willow
hard disagree but ok
36 upvotes
Nora P.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to Chicago it's surprisingly good.
30 upvotes
Jose
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is outdoor recreation. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
26 upvotes
Cheryl M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 4 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
21 upvotes
Andrew
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 40, moved here 2 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The cultural scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
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