I'm originally from Baltimore and Poverty rate is 6.8%, which is pretty low. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to.
8 upvotes
6 Replies
Declan Foster
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Oak Park. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in tech. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
No regrets on my end..
39 upvotes
Caroline Chavez
it depends on the neighborhood
37 upvotes
Xavier Wright
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Atlanta about 15 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are pricey, gas is decent.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
25 upvotes
Ashley B.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
18 upvotes
Matthew
hard disagree but ok
14 upvotes
Declan W.
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The healthcare is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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