Hey everyone, Median household income is $58,044, which feels about average for the area. Poverty rate is 12.9%, which is around average. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. Would love some local perspective. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development.
2 upvotes
12 Replies
Olivia Lewis
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Westside area are tough. Kids love it here.
40 upvotes
Michael Alvarez
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
39 upvotes
Katherine R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Nashville about 2 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are wild, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Hope this helps!.
39 upvotes
Chloe G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 14 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
39 upvotes
Joshua Robinson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 12 years. Moved from Charlotte for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have state parks 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. Rising rent and home prices. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
bostonlocal2020
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 55, moved here 13 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in North and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The weather situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 San Francisco, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
29 upvotes
Cora Turner
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 41, moved here 11 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
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. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The job market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for retirees. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Tampa, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
26 upvotes
Rylee Mitchell
Came here for school and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The nightlife is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
24 upvotes
Evelyn Chavez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
10 upvotes
Aaliyah B.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
5 upvotes
Luca R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 1 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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