Curious what people think. Rent is about $784/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Thanks! Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
8 upvotes
7 Replies
Roman Robinson
noted, appreciate it
39 upvotes
Maya King
been saying this for years
38 upvotes
Charlotte Garcia
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 Baltimore. I've lived in South and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Can feel isolated
3. The public transit situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for retirees. 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 Baltimore, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
36 upvotes
Jace S.
Saving this thread
27 upvotes
Madeline Ramos
Moved here from Baltimore about 11 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but Definitely worth checking out..
21 upvotes
Charlotte
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 39, moved here 4 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in West and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The nightlife situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for families. decent vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Dallas, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K 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.
8 upvotes
Olivia Ross
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 37, moved here 10 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Fairview and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Low crime in most neighborhoods
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Bugs and humidity in summer
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The dating scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for singles. decent vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Atlanta, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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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