Hi all, My partner and I are The median home value here is around $669,500, which is pretty steep. Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. Homes are going for about $669,500 on average. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. What do you all think? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
25 upvotes
3 Replies
kc_valentina
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
25 upvotes
Bennett Lopez
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 9 years ago from New York. I've lived in Oak Park and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Can feel isolated
3. The housing market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
12 upvotes
Skylar Rivera
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in North. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in legal. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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