Hey folks, I grew up here but left for a while. Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. Rent is about $1,493/month for a decent place. The median home value here is around $247,400, which is actually reasonable. Homes are going for about $247,400 on average. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Anyone in a similar situation? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
14 upvotes
9 Replies
Isla Martin
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely excellent and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene 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.
40 upvotes
Ava Walker
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is traffic. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
36 upvotes
Weston Wood
facts
33 upvotes
Mateo Watson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (South) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
29 upvotes
real_everett35
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
27 upvotes
Levi Patel
lol so true
24 upvotes
bostonlocal2024
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want school system, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
15 upvotes
Sebastian H.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely decent and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Dating scene is rough.
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.
10 upvotes
Sofia Allen
I'm a teacher and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
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