Hi all, I'm a college student here and The unemployment rate is 3.0%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $144,500 on average. Poverty rate is 12.4%, which is around average. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development.
4 upvotes
5 Replies
Addison Thomas
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Oak Park. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in engineering. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
33 upvotes
Megan R.
facts
17 upvotes
sddude2020
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great BBQ places. it was the best decision I ever made.
8 upvotes
Nora Baker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Portland about 14 years ago. The main reasons were work and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is average.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
4 upvotes
Leah C.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if nightlife matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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