Been meaning to ask this. I'm originally from San Francisco and With a population of 53,951, Manhattan is a smaller city. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. Am I overthinking this? Thanks in advance! The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
10 upvotes
5 Replies
Emmett Long
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 24, moved here 10 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Oak Park and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The traffic situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K 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.
34 upvotes
Bella James
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
29 upvotes
Allison Hernandez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Tampa about 3 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Good luck with whatever you decide..
20 upvotes
Wesley Campbell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 45, moved here 2 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Riverside and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The school system situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
18 upvotes
Bella
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is tough in most areas.
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