So, I'm a college student here and The median home value here is around $331,500, which seems about average. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. What are your go-to spots? Any help is appreciated.
49 upvotes
12 Replies
Arianna W.
honestly same experience here
40 upvotes
Jonathan K.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely challenging and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Midtown) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. weather 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.
33 upvotes
autumn_living
This.
28 upvotes
Silas G.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
26 upvotes
Jonathan Evans
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the Old Town side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
25 upvotes
columbuswalker2023
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
24 upvotes
Owen Taylor
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
14 upvotes
Daniel James
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 4 years. Moved from Dallas for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are hit or miss. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited high-paying job options. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Michael Castillo
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
6 upvotes
Thomas Patel
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The pet-friendliness is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
4 upvotes
sd_dominic
Came here for quality of life and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The traffic is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
2 upvotes
Paisley T.
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 14 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 Charlotte, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- The nightlife scene is tough
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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