I'm retired and Does this match your experience? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
12 upvotes
11 Replies
Avery Diaz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely average and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Downtown) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
35 upvotes
Alexa J.
exactly what I was thinking
29 upvotes
local_claire87
this is the way
23 upvotes
Adam Hill
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
22 upvotes
Beverly H.
literally same
20 upvotes
Jayden Jones
preach
19 upvotes
Jayden Taylor
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Eastside. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Hope this helps!.
16 upvotes
Axel D.
Totally agree!
8 upvotes
Peyton Williams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 35, moved here 2 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Oak Park and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally average - 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 cost of living situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Denver, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
4 upvotes
Leonardo Johnson
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
4 upvotes
James
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.