Curious what people think. I grew up here but left for a while. Rent is about $1,834/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 3.3%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 49--F, so expect cold winters. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development.
2 upvotes
7 Replies
Julia Morgan
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Atlanta about 6 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are developing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
27 upvotes
Willow
Bought a house here in 2022 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
21 upvotes
Abigail Edwards
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Seattle about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are growing, gas is decent.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Feel free to reach out with questions..
19 upvotes
Austin K.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 11 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
11 upvotes
Robert Anderson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely solid and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Eastside) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
10 upvotes
Nova Taylor
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great farm-to-table places. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
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