Not sure if this has been asked before, but I relocated for work and You can expect to pay around $1,784 for rent here. The unemployment rate is 2.9%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $1,784/month for a decent place. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
0 upvotes
15 Replies
Jordan Carter
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
36 upvotes
Wesley Chavez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 40, moved here 7 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Oak Park and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The dating scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Nashville, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K 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.
35 upvotes
Lydia
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Lakewood area are tough. Kids love it here.
34 upvotes
David J.
been saying this for years
33 upvotes
Ruby Jones
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
29 upvotes
Aubrey C.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
26 upvotes
cincy_evan
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
25 upvotes
Ellie S.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
23 upvotes
Nicole R.
good to know, thanks
23 upvotes
Silas W.
This.
20 upvotes
Lily Robinson
I'm a data analyst and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
17 upvotes
julia_soul
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Atlanta about 12 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are growing, gas is underrated.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
15 upvotes
Robert Clark
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
14 upvotes
Wyatt Parker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 48, moved here 7 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Riverside and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The weather situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K 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.
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