Hey, I'm a college student here and It's a a small town city with about 6,737 people. Average temperature is around 63--F, so the weather is moderate. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
4 upvotes
14 Replies
Noah R.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want dating scene, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
38 upvotes
Nevaeh Chavez
it depends on the neighborhood
37 upvotes
Eli Cooper
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 35, moved here 14 years ago from New York. I've lived in Oak Park and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The outdoor recreation situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: 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 New York, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K 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.
36 upvotes
Elizabeth
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if dating scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
35 upvotes
Hunter Ortiz
Used to live on the Uptown side, now on the South side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
32 upvotes
Liam S.
great question, following
31 upvotes
Aubrey Kelly
as a local I can confirm
29 upvotes
Paisley Anderson
facts
19 upvotes
milwaukee_jackson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 6 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited entertainment options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are developing, gas is solid.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Happy to answer more specific questions..
16 upvotes
declan_walker
I've lived in Uptown for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
- The school system scene is average
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Definitely worth checking out..
15 upvotes
Sadie Baker
I've lived in Old Town for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The community vibe scene is average
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
12 upvotes
James H.
Used to live on the North side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
12 upvotes
lake_delilah43
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- The food scene scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Definitely worth checking out..
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