I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Let me know your thoughts. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
1 upvotes
6 Replies
Aaron Gutierrez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 47, moved here 1 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Springfield and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The outdoor recreation situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
33 upvotes
Lucy K.
Moved here from Baltimore about 11 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to dating scene but Definitely worth checking out..
28 upvotes
Ryan Foster
+1
25 upvotes
Landon G.
yeah no that's not right
13 upvotes
mesaguy2022
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
12 upvotes
Reagan Davis
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely challenging and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Old Town) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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.
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