Longtime lurker here, I'm retired and The unemployment rate is 4.8%, which is about average. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. What would you do?
4 upvotes
11 Replies
Connor Murphy
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
36 upvotes
brielle_chef
underrated comment
35 upvotes
Harper M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 24, moved here 9 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Oak Park and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited shopping options
3. The public transit situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K 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.
32 upvotes
Kai Turner
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 24, moved here 2 years ago from Houston. I've lived in South and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The walkability situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for remote workers. better than expected 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 Houston, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K 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.
32 upvotes
Gloria G.
couldn't agree more
28 upvotes
Everett F.
I've lived in Fairview for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- The healthcare scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Joshua
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
19 upvotes
Maverick Price
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Houston 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 Uptown. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
Waylon Adams
Used to live on the Meadowbrook side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
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