Homes are going for about $221,800 on average. Rent is about $1,613/month for a decent place. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
28 upvotes
7 Replies
Paisley Hill
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 35, moved here 9 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Downtown and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Close to major attractions
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. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The walkability situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Miami, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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
Luke Reed
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 7 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into running, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
36 upvotes
Levi P.
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
26 upvotes
Paisley C.
100%
26 upvotes
Nora Long
yeah no that's not right
15 upvotes
Lillian W.
same here
1 upvotes
Wyatt M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely tough and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Riverside) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
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