The median home value here is around $474,800, which is pretty steep. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Should I be concerned? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
12 upvotes
4 Replies
Kaylee Flores
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 11 years. Moved from New York for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is average - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are average. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited public transit options. Limited high-paying job options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Liam G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 38, moved here 2 years ago from Boston. I've lived in North and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Can feel isolated
3. The school system situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Boston, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K 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.
33 upvotes
Kayla M.
glad someone said it
9 upvotes
Scarlett
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 1 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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