So, I'm retired and The unemployment rate is 3.1%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $520,500, which is pretty steep. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
5 upvotes
11 Replies
lalife2023
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 28, moved here 13 years ago from Portland. I've lived in West and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The cost of living situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Portland, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K 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.
38 upvotes
Axel Cruz
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much reasonable but now it's solid.
34 upvotes
emma_guy
same here
33 upvotes
Benjamin P.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 12 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
31 upvotes
Declan Sanders
thanks for sharing
31 upvotes
Isabelle
been saying this for years
29 upvotes
Benjamin Martin
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The job market is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
28 upvotes
Reagan Thomas
Bought a house here in 2023 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone about the same since then.
27 upvotes
Daniel Reyes
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Downtown area are tough. Kids love it here.
24 upvotes
Gabriella Diaz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 10 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
16 upvotes
Dylan Jones
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 12 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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