Not sure if this has been asked before, but The unemployment rate is 2.8%, which is pretty low. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Am I wrong here?
9 upvotes
12 Replies
Andrew King
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much developing but now it's pretty good.
39 upvotes
Nathan Cox
accurate
36 upvotes
Roman P.
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the Greenfield side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
34 upvotes
Isabelle Walker
Moved here from Minneapolis about 12 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to public transit but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
33 upvotes
Deborah W.
underrated comment
25 upvotes
Ariana Young
preach
25 upvotes
Eliana Johnson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 10 years. Moved from San Diego for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is average - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are better than expected. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Far from beaches/mountains. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Theodore Parker
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Good luck with whatever you decide..
22 upvotes
Kai Garcia
couldn't agree more
6 upvotes
Sofia Lopez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 48, moved here 13 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Old Town and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Close to major attractions
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Can feel isolated
3. The housing market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Diego, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K 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.
4 upvotes
Xavier Young
I've lived in Oak Park for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
- The public transit scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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