It's a a small town city with about 21,879 people. Median household income is $47,268, which feels on the lower side for the area. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Has anyone dealt with this? Any help is appreciated. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development.
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Katherine Reed
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 45, moved here 10 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Riverside and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The traffic situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for remote workers. excellent 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K 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.
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