Poverty rate is 24.8%, which is higher than I expected. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
1 upvotes
10 Replies
Brooks K.
Used to live on the Uptown side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
39 upvotes
Megan W.
Saving this thread
34 upvotes
tucsonmind2020
I've lived in Old Town for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
- The public transit scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Happy to answer more specific questions..
23 upvotes
Ryan Brown
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Uptown. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like sushi.
No regrets on my end..
19 upvotes
Sophia Gomez
accurate
17 upvotes
Hazel Davis
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from New York about 10 years ago. The main reasons were weather and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
10 upvotes
Adeline R.
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Midtown area are average. Kids love it here.
7 upvotes
Anna Reyes
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 56, moved here 14 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Pine Hills and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Close to major attractions
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. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The public transit situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
6 upvotes
Daniel
been saying this for years
5 upvotes
Lily Allen
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
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