I'm a college student here and Homes are going for about $160,900 on average. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Any help is appreciated. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up.
6 upvotes
7 Replies
Elizabeth Jones
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. No regrets on my end..
29 upvotes
Ezekiel Rivera
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 40, moved here 10 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Oak Park and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Active local events and festivals
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. Limited shopping options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The traffic situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Austin, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
27 upvotes
Nova Cook
following this thread
16 upvotes
Piper Brown
Totally agree!
11 upvotes
Emilia Davis
literally same
7 upvotes
Matthew M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Charlotte about 7 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good airport with direct flights
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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