Been meaning to ask this. I relocated for work and Median household income is $57,682, which feels about average for the area. Rent is about $739/month for a decent place. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Anyone in a similar situation? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
9 upvotes
7 Replies
Bennett Moore
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in South. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in legal. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
36 upvotes
Noah Green
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The housing market is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
33 upvotes
Ryan Ruiz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 1 years. Moved from Chicago for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is improving - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are challenging. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Winters are long and cold. Bugs and humidity in summer. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
John Walker
thanks for sharing
21 upvotes
eva_mind
Came here for family and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The public transit is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
18 upvotes
Connor Robinson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 1 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
6 upvotes
fresnoguy2022
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
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