Anyone else feel this way? I relocated for work and Average temperature is around 48--F, so expect cold winters. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Any advice would be great. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
23 upvotes
9 Replies
Jacob
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Portland about 14 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
35 upvotes
Jace A.
I've lived in Uptown for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Diverse dining options
- The safety scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Happy to answer more specific questions..
35 upvotes
Ethan M.
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
26 upvotes
sunny_miles79
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Charlotte 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 Downtown. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
22 upvotes
Kai P.
good to know, thanks
17 upvotes
Jordan Mendoza
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
16 upvotes
Joshua
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
10 upvotes
Nolan
literally same
9 upvotes
Samuel H.
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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