Anyone else feel this way? I grew up here but left for a while. Average temperature is around 63--F, so the weather is moderate. Median household income is $96,083, which feels pretty solid for the area. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Thoughts? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
8 upvotes
10 Replies
Aria D.
it depends on the neighborhood
39 upvotes
Nevaeh Smith
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
37 upvotes
Stella R.
wish I knew this sooner
23 upvotes
Roman Hughes
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to San Diego it's challenging.
19 upvotes
Grace
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 49, moved here 5 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Downtown and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The traffic situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for couples. pretty good 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 Minneapolis, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K 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.
12 upvotes
Eugene A.
spot on
9 upvotes
Sofia Martin
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
6 upvotes
Katherine R.
Moved here from Raleigh about 14 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to cultural scene but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
6 upvotes
Parker
bump
5 upvotes
emma_dude
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 8 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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