Hi all, I'm a college student here and You can expect to pay around $1,130 for rent here. The median home value here is around $204,300, which is actually reasonable. Poverty rate is 10.4%, which is around average. Rent is about $1,130/month for a decent place. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Has anyone dealt with this? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
2 upvotes
6 Replies
Doris R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are developing, gas is challenging.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
35 upvotes
Josiah Brooks
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 10 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
32 upvotes
Gabriel T.
wish I knew this sooner
28 upvotes
Isaiah Morris
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 47, moved here 10 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Eastside and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The weather situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Phoenix, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
22 upvotes
Hannah Price
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
8 upvotes
Abigail Hall
I've lived in Sunset for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Diverse dining options
- The weather scene is average
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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