Hi all, Crime rate is something to consider -Stanley sits at 134.8 per 100K. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Has anyone dealt with this? The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
7 upvotes
6 Replies
Caroline R.
good to know, thanks
38 upvotes
Madelyn Mendoza
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 52, moved here 7 years ago from New York. I've lived in Westside and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Close to major attractions
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The dating scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for singles. average vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 New York, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
30 upvotes
Brandon M.
bump
11 upvotes
David M.
thanks for sharing
10 upvotes
Sebastian Edwards
Came here for retirement and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The public transit is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
8 upvotes
Jordan M.
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Vietnamese places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
All Countries
