Not sure if this has been asked before, but Median household income is $87,767, which feels pretty solid for the area. Poverty rate is 5.6%, which is pretty low. It's a a mid-size city city with about 122K people. You can expect to pay around $1,316 for rent here. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
7 upvotes
15 Replies
Sebastian Campbell
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
39 upvotes
Hannah Bennett
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I genuinely enjoy living here. Compared to Atlanta it's surprisingly good.
32 upvotes
Declan Castillo
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 38, moved here 14 years ago from Boston. I've lived in North and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cost of living situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for couples. improving 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 Boston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K 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.
30 upvotes
Jace Stewart
haha yep pretty much
28 upvotes
Aiden
wish I knew this sooner
23 upvotes
Alexander T.
I've lived in North for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- The public transit scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
20 upvotes
Allison Foster
I've lived in South for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- The school system scene is improving
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Feel free to reach out with questions..
18 upvotes
Aaron R.
it depends on the neighborhood
16 upvotes
Wesley Castillo
accurate
15 upvotes
Brittany B.
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great craft beer places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
13 upvotes
Dylan Wright
spot on
11 upvotes
Madeline Reed
+1
10 upvotes
Ezekiel
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Good luck with whatever you decide..
6 upvotes
Michael P.
Came here for family and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The cultural scene is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
0 upvotes
Emily
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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