OK so I grew up here but left for a while. Rent is about $777/month for a decent place. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What do you all think? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to.
14 upvotes
12 Replies
Landon
I've lived in Old Town for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The nightlife scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. No regrets on my end..
36 upvotes
Jonathan Gray
seconding this
35 upvotes
Jeremiah L.
I work in government here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is underrated. No regrets on my end..
31 upvotes
Gerald H.
literally same
24 upvotes
Julia R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Dallas about 4 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
22 upvotes
Everett Taylor
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 35, moved here 8 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Oak Park and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The nightlife situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 San Diego, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K 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.
19 upvotes
Audrey Baker
accurate
17 upvotes
Emmett W.
accurate
10 upvotes
Josiah
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The outdoor recreation is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
8 upvotes
Jordan W.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
7 upvotes
Zoe Gray
I've lived in Westside for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Close to major attractions
- The housing market scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. No regrets on my end..
5 upvotes
jaxon_heart
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 49, moved here 2 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Midtown and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The housing market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for young professionals. tough 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 Chicago, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K 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.
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