Hi all, Born and raised here. Homes are going for about $640,500 on average. Poverty rate is 4.2%, which is pretty low. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Am I wrong here? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development.
16 upvotes
7 Replies
Liam Martinez
literally same
34 upvotes
Nova L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 32, moved here 1 years ago from New York. I've lived in Highland and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The job market situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 New York, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K 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.
33 upvotes
Joseph F.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 11 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
23 upvotes
Victoria Adams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 39, moved here 5 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Oak Park and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The healthcare situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K 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.
22 upvotes
Claire M.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is dating scene. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
21 upvotes
atllocal2024
yeah no that's not right
19 upvotes
cincylocal2021
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 7 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is decent.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Hope this helps!.
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