Hi all, I work in insurance and The unemployment rate is 5.9%, which is about average. Rent is about $1,068/month for a decent place. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Anyone in a similar situation? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
6 upvotes
15 Replies
Gloria T.
exactly what I was thinking
36 upvotes
Leonardo Bailey
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
36 upvotes
Kayden Collins
Moved here from Denver about 7 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to job market but Happy to answer more specific questions..
35 upvotes
Wyatt Reed
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 1 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
33 upvotes
Jonathan Murphy
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great sushi places. it's been a really good experience overall.
32 upvotes
Oliver
Used to live on the South side, now on the Highland side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
32 upvotes
David P.
yep
29 upvotes
Beverly P.
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
29 upvotes
Skylar Rivera
I work in consulting here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is pretty good. Feel free to reach out with questions..
28 upvotes
Wayne T.
lol so true
28 upvotes
Greyson Sanchez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 2 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
28 upvotes
river_amelia94
big facts right here
26 upvotes
Charles H.
bump
20 upvotes
Sebastian Allen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 42, moved here 5 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Sunset and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The community vibe situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Portland, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
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