OK so I grew up here but left for a while. Rent is about $1,853/month for a decent place. It's a a smaller city city with about 41,305 people. Crime rate is something to consider -Milton sits at 37.4 per 100K. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
30 upvotes
4 Replies
Ezra Clark
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 38, moved here 1 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Springfield and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The food scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for remote workers. underrated 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 Boston, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K 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.
37 upvotes
Jacob White
I've lived in Oak Park for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The job market scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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