Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm single, late 40s, and Poverty rate is 7.6%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $1,713 for rent here. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. Any advice would be great. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
14 upvotes
9 Replies
Carter Nguyen
Moved here from LA about 10 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to traffic but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
39 upvotes
Audrey Price
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 5 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
36 upvotes
Sarah Mitchell
thanks for sharing
30 upvotes
Eleanor
I've lived in West for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Active local events and festivals
- The public transit scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
30 upvotes
Austin Alvarez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Midtown. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Italian.
No regrets on my end..
29 upvotes
Lillian Allen
I've lived in Greenfield for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- The community vibe scene is solid
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
21 upvotes
Karen K.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 1 years. Moved from Boston for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is tough - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are improving. 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. Limited public transit options. Urban sprawl is real. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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