Anyone else feel this way? I'm a remote worker and Household incomes average around $85,385 in Stem. Median household income is $85,385, which feels pretty solid for the area. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
3 upvotes
10 Replies
Harper S.
this is the way
32 upvotes
Camila King
great question, following
30 upvotes
Maverick Taylor
yeah no that's not right
26 upvotes
Alexa P.
Moved here from LA about 13 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to weather but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
22 upvotes
Mason Wilson
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the The Heights side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
15 upvotes
Ryan Hughes
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
15 upvotes
Hunter Hughes
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Greenfield. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in real estate. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
9 upvotes
Caroline A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 53, moved here 4 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Oak Park and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The job market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Seattle, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
6 upvotes
Nova Cook
Can confirm, been here 10 years.
6 upvotes
Ryan Y.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 57, moved here 3 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Uptown and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The public transit situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Phoenix, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K 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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