Hi all, Rent is about $981/month for a decent place. With a population of 19,205, Alton is a small town. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Let me know your thoughts.
14 upvotes
2 Replies
Sarah Gonzalez
Used to live on the Cedar Grove side, now on the Maple Ridge side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
21 upvotes
Camila P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 46, moved here 3 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Eastside and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Can feel isolated
3. The community vibe situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Charlotte, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.