Not sure if this has been asked before, but We have two kids and You can expect to pay around $1,299 for rent here. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Anyone in a similar situation?
27 upvotes
14 Replies
Nathan Gutierrez
wish I knew this sooner
40 upvotes
Katherine Davis
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely pretty good and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
39 upvotes
river_adam13
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 29, moved here 7 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Oak Park and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Can feel isolated
3. The weather situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 San Francisco, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K 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.
32 upvotes
Hunter Robinson
I've lived in Greenfield for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Active local events and festivals
- The nightlife scene is improving
The downsides:
- Limited entertainment options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Good luck with whatever you decide..
32 upvotes
Luca Edwards
I've lived in Uptown for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- The cost of living scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Dating scene is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
32 upvotes
Ezekiel Turner
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 6 years. Moved from Atlanta for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are challenging. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Rising rent and home prices. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Lydia M.
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
31 upvotes
born_lydia42
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The pet-friendliness is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
28 upvotes
Michael Wright
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
28 upvotes
Savannah M.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
18 upvotes
Aurora Green
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
17 upvotes
Ruby Thomas
exactly what I was thinking
15 upvotes
nevaeh_vibes
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
10 upvotes
cincymind2022
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Minneapolis about 5 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are competitive, gas is underrated.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Definitely worth checking out..
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