Curious what people think. Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cheers. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development.
15 upvotes
5 Replies
Oliver Evans
I'm a HR manager and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
37 upvotes
Carter Carter
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much reasonable but now it's improving.
33 upvotes
Brooks H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 40, moved here 9 years ago from New York. I've lived in Westside and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Close to major attractions
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited shopping options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for young professionals. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 New York, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
13 upvotes
Connor Chavez
great question, following
7 upvotes
Ryan G.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Tampa about 4 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is tough.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. No regrets on my end..
All Countries
