So, My family moved here when I was a kid. The unemployment rate is 2.1%, which is pretty low. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. What are your go-to spots? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
11 upvotes
3 Replies
eva_mind
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 11 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
philly_jordan
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Portland about 8 years ago. The main reasons were weather and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are developing, gas is decent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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