We're a young couple and It's a a small town city with about 6,130 people. Homes are going for about $685,800 on average. Rent is about $1,310/month for a decent place. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Thoughts? Any help is appreciated. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
2 upvotes
13 Replies
Patrick G.
lol so true
36 upvotes
Caleb Mendoza
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 11 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
31 upvotes
Lily Phillips
Bought a house here in 2021 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
27 upvotes
Wesley R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 32, moved here 2 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in West and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The job market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for young professionals. 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 Baltimore, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K 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.
18 upvotes
Nolan Moore
big facts right here
17 upvotes
Hannah Davis
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. No regrets on my end..
17 upvotes
Silas J.
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
15 upvotes
Everly Ward
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 12 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
12 upvotes
Jose Kim
wish I knew this sooner
11 upvotes
Silas G.
This.
10 upvotes
Violet Kelly
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 1 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
5 upvotes
Benjamin Lee
underrated comment
2 upvotes
Claire G.
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is job market. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
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