Longtime lurker here, The median home value here is around $124,500, which is actually reasonable. You can expect to pay around $1,000 for rent here. Rent is about $1,000/month for a decent place. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Let me know your thoughts. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
6 upvotes
3 Replies
Mackenzie Scott
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely decent and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Westside) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
12 upvotes
Emily A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 54, moved here 10 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Oak Park and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The weather situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. average vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Dallas, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K 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.
8 upvotes
Ruby Roberts
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in West. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in tech. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
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