Longtime lurker here, Homes are going for about $271,400 on average. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Thanks in advance! It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up.
11 upvotes
14 Replies
Jean A.
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
35 upvotes
Ruby Ruiz
haha yep pretty much
28 upvotes
Arianna Garcia
it depends on the neighborhood
25 upvotes
cool_roman64
yeah no that's not right
25 upvotes
Caroline
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Maple Ridge area are decent. Kids love it here.
24 upvotes
Violet James
haha yep pretty much
22 upvotes
Quinn B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 56, moved here 1 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Springfield and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The safety situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Boston, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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
Jonathan Ramos
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
17 upvotes
Genesis Long
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 1 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into running, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
Reagan
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The pet-friendliness is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
8 upvotes
Mateo Mendoza
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great farm-to-table places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
8 upvotes
tulsa_cameron
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 58, moved here 9 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in North and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The weather situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for young professionals. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Dallas, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
1 upvotes
Kaylee Long
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if cultural scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
1 upvotes
Weston H.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 6 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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