First post here. I'm a 50-year-old mechanic and Median household income is $184,989, which feels pretty solid for the area. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Appreciate any input.
1 upvotes
3 Replies
Carter Johnson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Phoenix about 5 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are reasonable, gas is tough.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Feel free to reach out with questions..
38 upvotes
Caleb K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 32, moved here 9 years ago from New York. I've lived in Greenfield and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The job market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K 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.
5 upvotes
Luke Cruz
Moved here from Baltimore about 2 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to nightlife but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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