Military spouse here. Median household income is $78,409, which feels about average for the area. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Any advice would be great. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
17 upvotes
10 Replies
Evelyn S.
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Oak Park area are improving. Kids love it here.
39 upvotes
Nevaeh
preach
26 upvotes
Teresa P.
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Eastside area are underrated. Kids love it here.
23 upvotes
Quinn Perez
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is nightlife. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
19 upvotes
Sebastian Y.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 55, moved here 2 years ago from New York. I've lived in Springfield and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The safety situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 New York, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$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.
18 upvotes
Jack F.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Uptown) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
17 upvotes
Xavier Roberts
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 3 years. Moved from Portland for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
tech is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are pretty good. 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 shopping options. Homeless population growing downtown. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Mark S.
lol so true
6 upvotes
Sharon P.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Maple Ridge. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Indian.
No regrets on my end..
5 upvotes
Mateo Thompson
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The weather is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
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