Hey, I relocated for work and Homes are going for about $365,100 on average. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Has anyone dealt with this?
30 upvotes
30 Replies
Everett Clark
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
39 upvotes
Evelyn Cooper
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
39 upvotes
Mia
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
36 upvotes
Stella Rogers
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is weather. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
34 upvotes
Brooklyn
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 4 years. Moved from Charlotte for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Nightlife is limited. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Lily Reyes
I'm a HR manager and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
30 upvotes
Gerald M.
hmm interesting perspective
28 upvotes
Leo Hill
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is challenging in most areas.
27 upvotes
David Green
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much affordable but now it's decent.
26 upvotes
Alice
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in West area are underrated. Kids love it here.
26 upvotes
Parker Wilson
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much wild but now it's surprisingly good.
22 upvotes
Adeline Ramirez
thanks for sharing
22 upvotes
Ezra Patel
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 3 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
22 upvotes
Kaylee Cruz
this is the way
19 upvotes
Wesley James
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 32, moved here 14 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Sunset and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The cultural scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Dallas, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$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.
18 upvotes
Valentina
Used to live on the Midtown side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
17 upvotes
Vivian Morris
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
Gabriel Adams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 58, moved here 5 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Oak Park and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Property taxes are high
3. The community vibe situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for young professionals. pretty good 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 Chicago, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
16 upvotes
Henry B.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Lakewood. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in legal. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Southern.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
16 upvotes
Victoria Jimenez
I've lived in East for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The food scene scene is improving
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
15 upvotes
Avery
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Charlotte about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are developing, gas is excellent.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. No regrets on my end..
15 upvotes
cool_angel66
This.
13 upvotes
Grayson Morris
Used to live on the Westside side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
12 upvotes
Nicholas Parker
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
11 upvotes
Lawrence W.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
9 upvotes
John Cook
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 5 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
8 upvotes
david_girl
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great Italian places. I love the pace of life here.
6 upvotes
Ella S.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 5 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into running, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
6 upvotes
Judy R.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
6 upvotes
Violet Long
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Old Town area are decent. Kids love it here.
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