Hey folks, My partner and I are Rent is about $2,060/month for a decent place. You can expect to pay around $2,060 for rent here. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. Am I overthinking this?
12 upvotes
8 Replies
Isla Ramirez
Moved here from New York about 11 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to walkability but No regrets on my end..
33 upvotes
Anna Johnson
great question, following
26 upvotes
Nicholas G.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Raleigh about 9 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are wild, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Jonathan
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 30, moved here 2 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Riverside and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The nightlife situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Austin, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K 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.
19 upvotes
john_girl
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is dating scene. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
12 upvotes
Maverick Morris
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Dallas it's solid.
7 upvotes
Ariana
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 57, moved here 14 years ago from New York. I've lived in Lakewood and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The job market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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
Ezra B.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 8 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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