Hey, We're a young couple and Average temperature is around 49--F, so expect cold winters. The unemployment rate is 6.6%, which is concerning. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Let me know your thoughts. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
1 upvotes
10 Replies
Claire Gonzalez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely improving and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Westside) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability 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.
39 upvotes
Samuel M.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
34 upvotes
Julian J.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 28, moved here 9 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Oak Park and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited shopping options
3. The food scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Baltimore, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
24 upvotes
philly_jordan
hmm interesting perspective
24 upvotes
Greyson Allen
this is the way
21 upvotes
Mia Rogers
nah I disagree
17 upvotes
Ariana Rivera
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great Asian places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
15 upvotes
Theodore Harris
I work in consulting here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is average. Hope this helps!.
10 upvotes
Leo Adams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 56, moved here 5 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The cost of living situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for families. 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 Boston, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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
Sadie
Bought a house here in 2016 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
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