Hey folks, It's a a smaller city city with about 45,002 people. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Am I wrong here? Looking forward to hearing from you all. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to.
1 upvotes
5 Replies
Olivia Brown
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 9 years. Moved from Nashville for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. retail 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have rivers 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 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Dating scene is rough. And public transit 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.
39 upvotes
Austin Gray
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 57, moved here 10 years ago from LA. I've lived in Oak Park and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Good schools in most areas
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The outdoor recreation situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 LA, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K 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.
34 upvotes
Brielle Howard
yep
34 upvotes
Isla C.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Boston it's challenging.
31 upvotes
Eli Ramos
Bought a house here in 2023 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
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