Hey folks, My partner and I are You can expect to pay around $2,189 for rent here. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
10 upvotes
8 Replies
kai_lover
good to know, thanks
38 upvotes
nyc_declan
been saying this for years
36 upvotes
Mia Gomez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Nashville about 5 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is excellent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. No regrets on my end..
36 upvotes
Sebastian Robinson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Phoenix about 15 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Diverse dining options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are affordable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
35 upvotes
Elijah Mendoza
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Cedar Grove. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in construction. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Hope this helps!.
28 upvotes
Skylar Brown
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
14 upvotes
Brooklyn Peterson
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The job market is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
2 upvotes
Ashley G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 2 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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