Not sure if this has been asked before, but With a population of 24,147
6 upvotes
11 Replies
Brooklyn S.
exactly what I was thinking
35 upvotes
Chloe Smith
Moved here from Salt Lake City about 7 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Hope this helps!.
27 upvotes
Carter
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
24 upvotes
Katherine
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 47, moved here 1 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Oak Park and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of new development happening
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. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The pet-friendliness situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. improving vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K 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.
23 upvotes
William Sanchez
I've lived in Old Town for about 6 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 LA, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
- The housing market scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
19 upvotes
chloe_mama
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Pine Hills. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
No regrets on my end..
16 upvotes
Catherine P.
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
15 upvotes
Nevaeh Thomas
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Old Town area are improving. Kids love it here.
14 upvotes
Wesley Williams
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
9 upvotes
sflover2024
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely excellent and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Westside) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.