Anyone else feel this way? I've been here for 9 years and The unemployment rate is 3.5%, which is pretty low. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Has anyone dealt with this? The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
3 upvotes
14 Replies
Jace R.
I'm a writer and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
36 upvotes
Willow N.
it depends on the neighborhood
36 upvotes
Lily Anderson
Moved here from Austin about 11 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to food scene but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
31 upvotes
Logan M.
Bought a house here in 2016 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
28 upvotes
Gabriel T.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
27 upvotes
Sophie Thomas
haha yep pretty much
26 upvotes
Parker Watson
seconding this
22 upvotes
Quinn Foster
I've lived in Fairview for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
- The outdoor recreation scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
19 upvotes
desert_chloe70
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 15 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
19 upvotes
Christian Phillips
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 14 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
16 upvotes
Nora C.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is underrated in most areas.
16 upvotes
Jayden Anderson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 37, moved here 15 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Greenfield and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally challenging - 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 safety situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Austin, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$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.
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