Born and raised here. You can expect to pay around $1,099 for rent here. The median home value here is around $73,400, which is actually reasonable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. What neighborhoods would you suggest? The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
1 upvotes
6 Replies
Emily Diaz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 27, moved here 7 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Fairview and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The housing market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Diego, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
39 upvotes
Jack Kelly
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 14 years. Moved from Portland for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are challenging. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Rising rent and home prices. Homeless population growing downtown. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Katherine Kelly
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
25 upvotes
Jordan Mitchell
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much pricey but now it's tough.
23 upvotes
Luna Rivera
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Oak Park area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
16 upvotes
David Gomez
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.
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