Longtime lurker here, My family moved here when I was a kid. Crime rate is something to consider -Alsip sits at 281.5 per 100K. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Appreciate any input. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
13 upvotes
6 Replies
Jameson N.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
32 upvotes
Christian P.
I've lived in Highland for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The pet-friendliness scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
29 upvotes
Claire Roberts
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 52, moved here 2 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Highland and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The dating scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for families. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Boston, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
18 upvotes
Isabella Young
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great Italian places. I have mixed feelings honestly.
12 upvotes
Ian Wilson
as a local I can confirm
12 upvotes
Parker Mendoza
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in East. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like craft beer.