I'm a college student here and The unemployment rate is 6.7%, which is concerning. Poverty rate is 21.0%, which is higher than I expected. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Should I be concerned? Thanks in advance!
12 upvotes
8 Replies
Jaxon Ramirez
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much developing but now it's underrated.
39 upvotes
Brooklyn Roberts
same here
33 upvotes
Nevaeh Sanders
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 14 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
33 upvotes
Lily Richardson
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
32 upvotes
Eleanor Campbell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 39, moved here 5 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in South and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The housing market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Phoenix, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
31 upvotes
Cameron Murphy
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Dallas about 9 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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