Hey everyone, I've been here for 18 years and Poverty rate is 3.5%, which is pretty low. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
12 upvotes
10 Replies
Bella Bennett
Totally agree!
33 upvotes
Alice Wright
I've lived in East for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
- The public transit scene is tough
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
27 upvotes
Aurora Nelson
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
26 upvotes
Caleb
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely better than expected and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Dating scene is rough.
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.
19 upvotes
Hailey Harris
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
18 upvotes
river_noah73
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 13 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
18 upvotes
Sophie
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 38, moved here 14 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - 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 school system situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for couples. hit or miss 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 San Francisco, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
16 upvotes
Isabelle D.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 13 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
14 upvotes
Jerry A.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is dating scene. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
4 upvotes
Julian Hernandez
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Cedar Grove area are underrated. Kids love it here.
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