I'm a remote worker and The median home value here is around $680,200, which is pretty steep. The unemployment rate is 1.1%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
3 upvotes
6 Replies
Luke Richardson
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
31 upvotes
Josiah Brooks
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in East. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in consulting. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
22 upvotes
Weston T.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Springfield) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
15 upvotes
Alice H.
yeah no that's not right
10 upvotes
alexander_kid
Came here for retirement and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The walkability is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
9 upvotes
Adrian
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 27, moved here 8 years ago from Austin. I've lived in South and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The healthcare situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K 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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