Hi all, I'm a teacher here and Homes are going for about $144,200 on average. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Has anyone dealt with this? Thanks in advance!
14 upvotes
11 Replies
Victoria Cruz
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 13 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
Isaiah Hughes
underrated comment
36 upvotes
Naomi Brooks
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
33 upvotes
Theodore B.
wish I knew this sooner
32 upvotes
Mason
facts
27 upvotes
Adeline T.
Moved here from Dallas about 2 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to dating scene but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
Jameson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Denver 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 Uptown. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in marketing. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
23 upvotes
Theodore R.
lol so true
22 upvotes
Elijah H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 54, moved here 4 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Oak Park and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The community vibe situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. decent 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 Austin, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K 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.
21 upvotes
Gianna Morales
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Seattle about 15 years ago. The main reasons were school and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Close to major attractions
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are wild, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
20 upvotes
lake_mason26
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 53, moved here 14 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Oak Park and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The cost of living situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Houston, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
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