Not sure if this has been asked before, but Anyone in a similar situation?
7 upvotes
5 Replies
Adam Ward
Moved here from San Francisco about 7 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to school system but Hope this helps!.
40 upvotes
Liam Harris
I work in government here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is tough. Hope this helps!.
36 upvotes
Ezekiel Sanders
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 41, moved here 7 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Oak Park and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The healthcare situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. hit or miss 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 Minneapolis, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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
Vincent G.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Austin about 3 years ago. The main reasons were work and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is excellent.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Hope this helps!.
22 upvotes
tampa_declan
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 10 years. Moved from Dallas for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. education 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'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are pretty good. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Chain restaurants dominate. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.