Random thought, Property taxes are high but you get good services. Am I wrong here? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
5 upvotes
9 Replies
Sebastian Martin
bump
29 upvotes
Aaron Stewart
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 34, moved here 9 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in West and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Phoenix, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
29 upvotes
Austin C.
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great Mediterranean places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
27 upvotes
Joshua Miller
Moved here from Salt Lake City about 15 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to cost of living but No regrets on my end..
27 upvotes
Kai Ross
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely average and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
20 upvotes
Lillian Bailey
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 7 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
20 upvotes
James Robinson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Happy to answer more specific questions..
17 upvotes
Xavier Ruiz
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. No regrets on my end..
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