Curious what people think. I work in engineering and The unemployment rate is 3.1%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $2,571/month for a decent place. With a population of 13,897, Urbana is a small town. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. Does this match your experience? The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
10 upvotes
3 Replies
Elijah Lewis
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
37 upvotes
Eliana White
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 49, moved here 3 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Lakewood and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The weather situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Chicago, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
15 upvotes
Colton Price
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 13 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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