Is Niles getting better or worse?

Landon Green Apr 9, 2025

OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a accountant, 34, moved here 5 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Midtown and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The public transit situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K 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.

34 upvotes

Hunter Alvarez Apr 4, 2025

Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.

28 upvotes

Owen C. Mar 28, 2025

From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.

15 upvotes

Carter King Mar 30, 2025

Bought a house here in 2017 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone down slightly since then.

14 upvotes