Hi all, You can expect to pay around $919 for rent here. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Has anyone dealt with this?
13 upvotes
24 Replies
Rylee Collins
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
40 upvotes
portland_cameron
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Houston about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are growing, gas is tough.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Hope this helps!.
39 upvotes
Ezekiel Ramos
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
34 upvotes
Laura R.
noted, appreciate it
34 upvotes
Violet Flores
exactly what I was thinking
32 upvotes
Isabelle H.
preach
30 upvotes
Ellie Patel
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I genuinely enjoy living here. Compared to Miami it's surprisingly good.
30 upvotes
Landon Torres
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 31, moved here 10 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Riverside and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The dating scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for families. hit or miss 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 Tampa, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
28 upvotes
Caleb Jackson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 10 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
28 upvotes
Brooks
honestly same experience here
26 upvotes
Hunter J.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
18 upvotes
David Long
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
17 upvotes
Bella Y.
hard disagree but ok
15 upvotes
John B.
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
13 upvotes
Mateo Long
underrated comment
13 upvotes
raised_nolan58
underrated comment
12 upvotes
Caroline Foster
as a local I can confirm
10 upvotes
Robert P.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want healthcare, then yeah this place is great. But if healthcare matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
7 upvotes
Maverick M.
wish I knew this sooner
5 upvotes
Nora Wilson
as a local I can confirm
4 upvotes
Abigail R.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Charlotte it's underrated.
4 upvotes
Daniel Ramos
haha yep pretty much
3 upvotes
true_claire51
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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