Random thought, It's a a smaller city city with about 78,816 people. The median home value here is around $824,500, which is pretty steep. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Has anyone dealt with this? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
15 upvotes
3 Replies
Logan
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 56, moved here 8 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Oak Park and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The walkability situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Denver, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K 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.
36 upvotes
Jackson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
3 upvotes
Liam G.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is improving in most areas.
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