So, Household incomes average around $66,270 in Banner Hill. Average temperature is around 55--F, so the weather is moderate. It's a a small town city with about 1,519 people. The unemployment rate is 5.4%, which is about average. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Let me know your thoughts. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
3 upvotes
8 Replies
Jacqueline R.
Saving this thread
40 upvotes
Reagan M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 44, moved here 5 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Greenfield and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Can feel isolated
3. The cultural scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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
Lillian Gutierrez
I'm a chef and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
33 upvotes
Lily
great question, following
31 upvotes
Ezra Green
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is nightlife. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
31 upvotes
Sharon W.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is solid in most areas.
20 upvotes
Naomi Lopez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Oak Park. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in legal. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
10 upvotes
Theodore
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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