Not sure if this has been asked before, but Poverty rate is 4.6%, which is pretty low. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
3 upvotes
13 Replies
Eliana Morris
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
38 upvotes
Robert
I'm a data analyst and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
37 upvotes
Caleb H.
facts
24 upvotes
jayden_rider
as a local I can confirm
24 upvotes
Zoe J.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely underrated and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Eastside) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
24 upvotes
Kai R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 6 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
23 upvotes
Christian M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in South. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
Zoey
I'm a writer and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
19 upvotes
Sadie Turner
good to know, thanks
14 upvotes
proud_josiah24
big facts right here
13 upvotes
William Martinez
Used to live on the North side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
5 upvotes
Luna Hall
haha yep pretty much
2 upvotes
Allison Rivera
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
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