OK so My partner and I are Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Worth the trade-offs? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
5 upvotes
4 Replies
Claire C.
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
37 upvotes
genesis_mind
seconding this
25 upvotes
Nathan Reyes
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Oak Park. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in education. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Hope this helps!.
9 upvotes
Brooklyn
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 48, moved here 12 years ago from Houston. I've lived in South and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The housing market situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for families. improving vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Houston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
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