Anyone else feel this way? Military spouse here. Average temperature is around 57--F, so the weather is moderate. The weather takes some getting used to.
20 upvotes
9 Replies
Catherine C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Austin about 5 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are pricey, gas is challenging.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
40 upvotes
Connor Phillips
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 9 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
22 upvotes
native_jeremiah7
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want school system, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
11 upvotes
Christian
underrated comment
11 upvotes
Mateo Robinson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely better than expected and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
9 upvotes
aaron_fan
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 49, moved here 10 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Sunset and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The cultural scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
7 upvotes
Christian N.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
6 upvotes
Jeremiah Ramirez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I genuinely enjoy living here. Compared to Charlotte it's surprisingly good.
5 upvotes
Isaiah Cooper
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely better than expected and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Uptown) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
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