Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a college student here and It's a a small town city with about 1,688 people. You can expect to pay around $1,093 for rent here. Average temperature is around 45--F, so bundle up in winter. Rent is about $1,093/month for a decent place. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Any advice would be great. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
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Madelyn Wilson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 37, moved here 11 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Downtown and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The school system situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for couples. 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 Baltimore, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
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