So, You can expect to pay around $249 for rent here. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Any advice would be great. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
0 upvotes
4 Replies
Jaxon L.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
36 upvotes
Evelyn Thomas
I'm a nurse and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
31 upvotes
Dominic Flores
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 51, moved here 14 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Oak Park and Greenfield, 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 tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The traffic situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 San Francisco, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
25 upvotes
Chloe Wood
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 13 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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