Just moved here 1 months ago and Poverty rate is 2.2%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $314,400, which seems about average. Average temperature is around 50--F, so expect cold winters. Household incomes average around $128,375 in Manhattan. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
Pros:
- Affordable cost of living
- Great weather
- Growing food scene
- Diverse community
- Active local events
Cons:
- Hot summers
- Sprawl everywhere
- Chain restaurants dominate
Thoughts? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
3 upvotes
12 Replies
native_bennett73
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 7 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
38 upvotes
true_carson24
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
36 upvotes
Jose Davis
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Riverside area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
35 upvotes
Grayson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 4 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
29 upvotes
Dylan M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 37, moved here 14 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Riverside and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Close to major attractions
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The weather situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 San Francisco, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
28 upvotes
Naomi Hernandez
been saying this for years
27 upvotes
Charles N.
nah I disagree
23 upvotes
Everett Mitchell
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in East. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in education. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
Hudson
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
19 upvotes
Dominic Walker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 25, moved here 4 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in North and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The pet-friendliness situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for families. average vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K 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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