Random thought, I'm a teacher here and Homes are going for about $79,600 on average. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up.
13 upvotes
12 Replies
Kimberly H.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Definitely worth checking out..
40 upvotes
nycwalker2024
literally same
36 upvotes
Michael Ortiz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely excellent and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (North) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
27 upvotes
Theresa A.
thanks for sharing
25 upvotes
Eleanor Murphy
been saying this for years
20 upvotes
Aubrey W.
Used to live on the Springfield side, now on the The Heights side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
20 upvotes
Owen Ramos
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely underrated and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene 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.
17 upvotes
Melanie C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 57, moved here 2 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Midtown and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Property taxes are high
3. The safety situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for retirees. hit or miss 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 Phoenix, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K 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.
11 upvotes
Evan
preach
9 upvotes
Sofia Martin
literally same
6 upvotes
Luke Bennett
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 4 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
2 upvotes
Christian Flores
Moved here from Atlanta about 5 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to housing market but Good luck with whatever you decide..
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