Been meaning to ask this. I grew up here but left for a while. Median household income is $80,366, which feels pretty solid for the area. Homes are going for about $879,500 on average. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Worth the trade-offs? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
5 upvotes
13 Replies
Caroline P.
I work in construction here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is underrated. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
38 upvotes
Thomas Turner
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Minneapolis about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
30 upvotes
Camila J.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 1 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
29 upvotes
Grayson Morgan
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Westside area are tough. Kids love it here.
26 upvotes
Zoey Ruiz
nah I disagree
26 upvotes
Benjamin S.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely challenging and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Westside) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
24 upvotes
Lucy Jimenez
wish I knew this sooner
20 upvotes
Adam M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Eastside) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. dating 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.
9 upvotes
John Cooper
100%
6 upvotes
Genesis Long
I'm a writer and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
6 upvotes
Jameson Peterson
I work in legal here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is solid. Good luck with whatever you decide..
1 upvotes
Evan Cox
thanks for sharing
0 upvotes
Everly Sanchez
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
All Countries
