OK so I'm single, late 40s, and Median household income is $104,307, which feels pretty solid for the area. Poverty rate is 2.5%, which is pretty low. Property taxes are high but you get good services. What do you all think? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
0 upvotes
13 Replies
Xavier M.
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
40 upvotes
Eliana Torres
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
36 upvotes
Vivian
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
36 upvotes
Michael Alvarez
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
31 upvotes
Nicholas Mendoza
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
29 upvotes
Wesley Ruiz
wish I knew this sooner
26 upvotes
Allison Hernandez
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Downtown area are decent. Kids love it here.
26 upvotes
Everett G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 27, moved here 15 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Oak Park and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The outdoor recreation situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 developing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
26 upvotes
Isla Cruz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Denver about 7 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Summers can be brutally hot
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Good luck with whatever you decide..
21 upvotes
Jeremy H.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 8 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
14 upvotes
Josiah
Used to live on the Uptown side, now on the Greenfield side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
13 upvotes
Serenity Foster
lol so true
12 upvotes
George T.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 11 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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