Just moved here 11 months ago and Poverty rate is 2.4%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
2 upvotes
17 Replies
John Brown
I've lived in South for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The cost of living scene is average
The downsides:
- Dating scene is rough
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Definitely worth checking out..
38 upvotes
coastal_wyatt92
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
37 upvotes
Christine G.
I've lived in Oak Park for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- The pet-friendliness scene is solid
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
36 upvotes
Zoe Baker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 53, moved here 11 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Midtown and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of new development happening
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. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The nightlife situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for families. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 developing. Gas is competitive. 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.
24 upvotes
Jayden Jones
underrated comment
22 upvotes
Skylar Walker
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
20 upvotes
Julia H.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
15 upvotes
Roman Mitchell
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 4 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
15 upvotes
Cameron Clark
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
11 upvotes
Liam P.
interesting, hadn't considered that
11 upvotes
Ryan
Saving this thread
10 upvotes
Joe R.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
9 upvotes
James Howard
great question, following
5 upvotes
Hunter Morgan
bump
4 upvotes
Nicholas Hall
Totally agree!
2 upvotes
Chloe Ross
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely better than expected and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Eastside) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
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