Rent vs buy in Arlington Heights -what makes sense?
Alright, My partner and I are Rent is about $1,193/month for a decent place. Median household income is $67,386, which feels about average for the area. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Am I wrong here? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
0 upvotes
15 Replies
Stella Davis
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
40 upvotes
Connor Brown
I've lived in Highland for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good airport with direct flights
- The pet-friendliness scene is solid
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
Claire
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The traffic is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
31 upvotes
Victoria Nguyen
interesting, hadn't considered that
26 upvotes
Rylee Castillo
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The healthcare is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
25 upvotes
Luna Bennett
thanks for sharing
25 upvotes
tampa_jose
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
22 upvotes
Luke G.
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
22 upvotes
Gabriella
as a local I can confirm
18 upvotes
Michael Kelly
exactly what I was thinking
18 upvotes
Arianna
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much growing but now it's average.
17 upvotes
Hailey Foster
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 57, moved here 15 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Fairview and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The traffic situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for families. improving vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Seattle, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
12 upvotes
Leah H.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is excellent in most areas.
10 upvotes
Leonardo Johnson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Good luck with whatever you decide..
7 upvotes
Axel Peterson
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
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