Median household income is $57,739, which feels about average for the area. The unemployment rate is 4.5%, which is about average. Rent is about $1,046/month for a decent place. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
19 upvotes
5 Replies
Genesis
this is the way
24 upvotes
Nevaeh M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 33, moved here 4 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Oak Park and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally challenging - 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 public transit situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K 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.
22 upvotes
coastal_allison21
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The walkability is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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