OK so Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Does this match your experience? Thanks for reading. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
6 upvotes
15 Replies
Eva
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Eastside area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
40 upvotes
Dominic Hughes
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
33 upvotes
Isaiah Castillo
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Riverside. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
32 upvotes
Brielle Gonzalez
Used to live on the Fairview side, now on the Old Town side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
31 upvotes
Addison Scott
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 37, moved here 7 years ago from New York. I've lived in South and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The healthcare situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for remote workers. solid 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 New York, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
24 upvotes
nycguy2024
I work in engineering here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is decent. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
23 upvotes
Matthew Hill
hmm interesting perspective
23 upvotes
Santiago Rodriguez
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in North area are average. Kids love it here.
22 upvotes
Cora Rodriguez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Greenfield. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
18 upvotes
Everett Collins
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 10 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
18 upvotes
Eliana
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
11 upvotes
Ezra Carter
Saving this thread
6 upvotes
Eva Hall
big facts right here
6 upvotes
Allison P.
this is the way
4 upvotes
Serenity Jones
I've lived in West for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The dating scene scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Happy to answer more specific questions..