Anyone else feel this way? I grew up here but left for a while. The median home value here is around $242,300, which is actually reasonable. Poverty rate is 8.8%, which is pretty low. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Thanks in advance! People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
7 upvotes
5 Replies
Mason G.
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
40 upvotes
Aaron Young
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
39 upvotes
Henry
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 42, moved here 1 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Oak Park and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Strong job market in several industries
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. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The school system situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Portland, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K 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.
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