Hi all, Military spouse here. Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. Median household income is $45,463, which feels on the lower side for the area. The median home value here is around $196,200, which is actually reasonable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
2 upvotes
9 Replies
Julia
bump
40 upvotes
Jean W.
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The school system is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
27 upvotes
Aria Kim
I work in healthcare here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is decent. Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
Axel Gomez
Bought a house here in 2017 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
18 upvotes
sd_carson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 43, moved here 12 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Westside and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The cultural scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Seattle, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
18 upvotes
Samuel Carter
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 underrated and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (East) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
15 upvotes
local_quinn86
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
12 upvotes
Asher Roberts
good to know, thanks
10 upvotes
Abigail Rivera
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the North side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
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