OK so Thoughts? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
22 upvotes
10 Replies
Mason B.
Moved here from New York about 2 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to safety but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
35 upvotes
Josiah Walker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from New York about 9 years ago. The main reasons were school and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is improving.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Good luck with whatever you decide..
34 upvotes
Hannah Price
this is the way
30 upvotes
Peyton Roberts
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 37, moved here 14 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Oak Park and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Limited shopping options
3. The safety situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Boston, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K 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.
30 upvotes
Henry Lopez
preach
30 upvotes
Camila King
I've lived in Uptown for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
- The community vibe scene is tough
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Feel free to reach out with questions..
27 upvotes
cool_cora80
I've lived in Riverside for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Four distinct seasons
- The weather scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
19 upvotes
Caleb Jackson
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The dating scene is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
18 upvotes
Diana B.
I've lived in Downtown for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- The public transit scene is improving
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
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