Hey everyone, Just moved here 11 months ago and Average temperature is around 66--F, so the weather is moderate. Homes are going for about $245,000 on average. The unemployment rate is 5.5%, which is about average. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
Pros:
- Good schools
- Close to nature
- Walkable downtown
- Plenty of shopping options
- Good airport connections
Cons:
- Limited public transit
- Cold winters
- Sprawl everywhere
- Mosquitoes and humidity
- Not enough green space
Worth the trade-offs? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
6 upvotes
8 Replies
Alexa C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 37, moved here 15 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Oak Park and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited shopping options
3. The nightlife situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. underrated 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
39 upvotes
Ian H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 14 years. Moved from Tampa for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is improving - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are pretty good. 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. Limited public transit options. Limited shopping options. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Axel G.
thanks for sharing
32 upvotes
Gabriel
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
17 upvotes
denvervibes2020
I've lived in West for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good internet infrastructure
- The job market scene is tough
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. No regrets on my end..
14 upvotes
Melanie Stewart
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Oak Park area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
14 upvotes
Aaliyah Reed
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 45, moved here 5 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Old Town and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Friendly community, easy to meet people
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The weather situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. underrated vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K 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.
6 upvotes
nyc_angel
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 56, moved here 6 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in West and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The weather situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Atlanta, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
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