Alright, I'm retired and Median household income is $83,969, which feels pretty solid for the area. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
7 upvotes
14 Replies
Claire H.
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
37 upvotes
Amelia Young
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
36 upvotes
Jordan Moore
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the Pine Hills side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
34 upvotes
Theodore
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 3 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
30 upvotes
Eva Anderson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely excellent and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Springfield) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
26 upvotes
Hazel Ortiz
I work in real estate here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is decent. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
Ezekiel Miller
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Seattle it's challenging.
23 upvotes
Eleanor
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 28, moved here 10 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Highland and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The food scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K 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.
22 upvotes
Cooper R.
Bought a house here in 2020 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
15 upvotes
Allison Lee
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
13 upvotes
Nova Collins
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
9 upvotes
Scarlett
Totally agree!
7 upvotes
Nora Mendoza
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Raleigh about 10 years ago. The main reasons were school and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is decent.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
4 upvotes
Arianna Evans
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. housing market used to be much wild but now it's underrated.
All Countries
