Hey everyone, It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Am I overthinking this? Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
20 upvotes
24 Replies
Kaylee Ross
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in The Heights area are tough. Kids love it here.
39 upvotes
Hudson K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 35, moved here 2 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Riverside and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The cost of living situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for families. improving 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 Miami, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K 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.
38 upvotes
Oliver Sanders
following this thread
37 upvotes
Clara White
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community vibe is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
36 upvotes
Isaiah Thomas
good to know, thanks
34 upvotes
Michael Watson
accurate
33 upvotes
Olivia Walker
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely hit or miss and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (West) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
33 upvotes
Adrian
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Nashville about 6 years ago. The main reasons were work and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are wild, gas is improving.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. No regrets on my end..
32 upvotes
Sadie Nelson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 8 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are challenging. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not very walkable outside downtown. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Nicholas L.
exactly what I was thinking
32 upvotes
Maverick Morales
I've lived in Fairview for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Close to major attractions
- Good airport with direct flights
- The cultural scene scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
32 upvotes
Claire M.
underrated comment
30 upvotes
Ryan Young
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The pet-friendliness is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
26 upvotes
Cora Campbell
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 9 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
25 upvotes
Sofia M.
Bought a house here in 2015 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
25 upvotes
Aaliyah Parker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Dallas about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited public transit options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
14 upvotes
Kathleen L.
glad someone said it
11 upvotes
Catherine B.
Used to live on the Greenfield side, now on the Cedar Grove side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
8 upvotes
Mia M.
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
4 upvotes
Alice Cruz
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if healthcare matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
3 upvotes
Alice Wood
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
3 upvotes
Carson M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 11 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are better than expected. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Winters are long and cold. Can feel isolated. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
1 upvotes
Mateo Ward
Used to live on the South side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
0 upvotes
laliving2021
Bought a house here in 2017 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
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