Random thought, Poverty rate is 13.1%, which is around average. It's a a small town city with about 6,815 people. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Should I be concerned? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
11 upvotes
7 Replies
Matthew Bailey
this is the way
38 upvotes
Jayden Wood
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
32 upvotes
Hudson Wilson
big facts right here
18 upvotes
Sarah Morris
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 30, moved here 15 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Highland and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The cultural scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K 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.
11 upvotes
Hudson
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the Uptown side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
10 upvotes
Addison B.
Used to live on the Greenfield side, now on the Eastside side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
9 upvotes
Avery Davis
Used to live on the West side, now on the Pine Hills side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
All Countries
