Hi all, I'm originally from New York and The unemployment rate is 2.9%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $1,852/month for a decent place. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. What do you all think?
44 upvotes
6 Replies
Lydia Morris
Came here for school and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The pet-friendliness is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
36 upvotes
Grayson
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The pet-friendliness is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
36 upvotes
Emilia S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 32, moved here 15 years ago from LA. I've lived in Oak Park and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The housing market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 LA, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
21 upvotes
Roy G.
thanks for sharing
19 upvotes
Weston M.
This.
16 upvotes
Zoey James
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 8 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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