OK so Poverty rate is 4.9%, which is pretty low. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Worth the trade-offs? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
20 upvotes
5 Replies
Christian Stewart
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 49, moved here 9 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Oak Park and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The outdoor recreation situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. average vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
38 upvotes
Wesley Davis
I work in manufacturing here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is underrated. Hope this helps!.
37 upvotes
Grayson Taylor
I've lived in South for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
- The cultural scene scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Axel F.
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- The healthcare scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
36 upvotes
Adam King
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Dallas about 9 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Definitely worth checking out..
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