Not sure if this has been asked before, but I work in healthcare and The median home value here is around $930,500, which is pretty steep. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. Thoughts? The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
25 upvotes
7 Replies
Eugene M.
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
39 upvotes
Everett Moore
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Atlanta 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 Old Town. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
34 upvotes
Katherine Johnson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Minneapolis about 12 years ago. The main reasons were weather and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Lots of new development happening
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is tough.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Happy to answer more specific questions..
23 upvotes
Ian Patel
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 8 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
21 upvotes
Valentina W.
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in West area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
10 upvotes
Bella
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
10 upvotes
Hailey W.
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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