Hello, I've been here for 12 years and It's a a small town city with about 8,029 people. Median household income is $143,125, which feels pretty solid for the area. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Has anyone dealt with this?
0 upvotes
6 Replies
Sophia Diaz
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Minneapolis it's surprisingly good.
28 upvotes
Declan Morgan
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
Alice Davis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 27, moved here 12 years ago from Austin. I've lived in East and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The cost of living situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Austin, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
16 upvotes
Natalie H.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Midtown. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in finance. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
14 upvotes
Julia Robinson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Good luck with whatever you decide..
13 upvotes
Ariana C.
Used to live on the Cedar Grove side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
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