Longtime lurker here, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Average temperature is around 58--F, so the weather is moderate. Rent is about $971/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $169,600 on average. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
9 upvotes
10 Replies
Angel Thomas
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Miami about 3 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
39 upvotes
denver_naomi
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Minneapolis it's decent.
38 upvotes
Silas Roberts
+1
33 upvotes
Sofia Martin
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 51, moved here 5 years ago from New York. I've lived in Oak Park and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The traffic situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 New York, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
32 upvotes
Natalie Watson
Moved here from Denver about 12 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to cost of living but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
32 upvotes
Mateo Ramos
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
31 upvotes
James Bennett
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
31 upvotes
Mateo
Came here for school and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The cultural scene is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
30 upvotes
Janet H.
big facts right here
26 upvotes
quinn_life
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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