Hey folks, Been living here since 2011. You can expect to pay around $2,165 for rent here. Poverty rate is 5.0%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 57--F, so the weather is moderate. The unemployment rate is 3.6%, which is pretty low. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Worth the trade-offs? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
30 upvotes
6 Replies
Aiden S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 52, moved here 9 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Oak Park and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally excellent - 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 job market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
35 upvotes
Ryan Wright
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 11 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
32 upvotes
Jonathan Jimenez
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The job market is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
29 upvotes
Naomi Myers
nah I disagree
25 upvotes
Bella
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
22 upvotes
Amelia Lewis
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 2 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. 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 surfing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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