Hey folks, I work in finance and The median home value here is around $295,500, which seems about average. The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Would love some local perspective. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
20 upvotes
3 Replies
Elizabeth
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 58, moved here 6 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Westside and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Property taxes are high
3. The food scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Dallas, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
34 upvotes
Eliana White
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the North side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
20 upvotes
Roman Kelly
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 3 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
All Countries
