Curious what people think. My family moved here when I was a kid. You can expect to pay around $820 for rent here. The city has invested a lot in new development. What neighborhoods would you suggest? The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
3 upvotes
5 Replies
Nolan Rodriguez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely pretty good and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Eastside) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
25 upvotes
Clara A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 51, moved here 4 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in North and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The walkability situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for remote workers. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
16 upvotes
Jackson
I work in construction here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is better than expected. Definitely worth checking out..
14 upvotes
Addison Wright
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 12 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
8 upvotes
Leah Hernandez
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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