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Brandon R.
moving
Moving from Tampa to Security-Widefield next month
OK so You can expect to pay around $1,703 for rent here. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
2 upvotes
18 Replies
Luca Patel
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 44, moved here 7 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Uptown and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The healthcare situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K 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.
Background: I'm a chef, 44, moved here 7 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Uptown and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The healthcare situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K 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.
36 upvotes
Ezra W.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Meadowbrook. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Meadowbrook. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
31 upvotes
Nathan Price
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
28 upvotes
Elena T.
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Downtown area are improving. Kids love it here.
27 upvotes
Sebastian Kim
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
27 upvotes
Nolan Richardson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Oak Park for 5 years. Moved from Chicago for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Oak Park schools are solid. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Road conditions need improvement. Dating scene is rough. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Oak Park for 5 years. Moved from Chicago for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Oak Park schools are solid. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Road conditions need improvement. Dating scene is rough. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Julia Ortiz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely challenging and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely challenging and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
24 upvotes
Isaac Peterson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Boston about 10 years ago. The main reasons were family and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are growing, gas is tough.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Hope this helps!.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Boston about 10 years ago. The main reasons were family and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are growing, gas is tough.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Hope this helps!.
21 upvotes
Rylee Morales
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
19 upvotes
Jack Hughes
been saying this for years
19 upvotes
Everett Mitchell
Moved here from Dallas about 6 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to school system but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
13 upvotes
Mateo Thompson
great question, following
11 upvotes
Wesley Ramos
+1
10 upvotes
Samuel C.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Feel free to reach out with questions..
8 upvotes
Ezra C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Minneapolis about 10 years ago. The main reasons were school and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
I'm a writer who relocated here from Minneapolis about 10 years ago. The main reasons were school and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
6 upvotes
Lucas Price
not my experience at all
2 upvotes
wild_waylon28
100%
1 upvotes
Leonardo Morales
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 11 years. Moved from New York for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Cedar Grove schools are challenging. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Nightlife is limited. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 11 years. Moved from New York for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Cedar Grove schools are challenging. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Nightlife is limited. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
0 upvotes