Hi all, I relocated for work and Poverty rate is 5.0%, which is pretty low. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
15 upvotes
15 Replies
Naomi
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from San Francisco about 4 years ago. The main reasons were weather and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are wild, gas is average.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Hope this helps!.
39 upvotes
Kayden B.
thanks for sharing
39 upvotes
Emmett W.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 2 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
33 upvotes
Ethan Stewart
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 7 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
29 upvotes
Aaliyah G.
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
26 upvotes
Sadie Myers
wish I knew this sooner
15 upvotes
Audrey G.
couldn't agree more
13 upvotes
Piper Myers
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 12 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
11 upvotes
Hannah
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. food scene used to be much affordable but now it's tough.
10 upvotes
Samuel R.
Bought a house here in 2024 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
9 upvotes
Weston Long
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
6 upvotes
Hudson Hughes
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 39, moved here 12 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Uptown and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The housing market situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good 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 Minneapolis, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K 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.
6 upvotes
Harper Wilson
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much manageable but now it's hit or miss.
5 upvotes
Amelia
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 9 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is solid - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are tough. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Far from beaches/mountains. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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