Hello, Poverty rate is 5.7%, which is pretty low. The city has invested a lot in new development. Any advice would be great. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
14 upvotes
3 Replies
Declan A.
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the Pine Hills side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
26 upvotes
Noah Price
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Atlanta about 15 years ago. The main reasons were work and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are pricey, gas is tough.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Good luck with whatever you decide..
26 upvotes
Naomi
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Phoenix about 13 years ago. The main reasons were work and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Strong sense of community
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is excellent.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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