Been meaning to ask this. Born and raised here. The median home value here is around $412,900, which is pretty steep. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Any advice would be great.
7 upvotes
8 Replies
oaklandgirl2022
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely solid and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (The Heights) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. food 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.
36 upvotes
Nolan Morris
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in South. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
35 upvotes
Quinn King
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the Cedar Grove side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
34 upvotes
Grayson Allen
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great craft beer places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
34 upvotes
Grace C.
glad someone said it
31 upvotes
Isabella W.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Westside. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Italian.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
22 upvotes
peyton_life
yep
6 upvotes
Aaliyah Cook
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Vietnamese places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
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