Alright, Rent is about $377/month for a decent place. Household incomes average around $43,281 in Shell Valley. Average temperature is around 38--F, so bundle up in winter. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Anyone in a similar situation? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
10 upvotes
7 Replies
Isaiah
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 33, moved here 13 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Oak Park and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The pet-friendliness situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for young professionals. challenging 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 Baltimore, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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
Amelia Bailey
preach
35 upvotes
Josiah B.
hard disagree but ok
35 upvotes
Brielle Gonzalez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Chicago about 6 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are affordable, gas is tough.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Happy to answer more specific questions..
24 upvotes
Audrey Cox
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Happy to answer more specific questions..
18 upvotes
Benjamin K.
I work in construction here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Happy to answer more specific questions..