So, I've been here for 3 years and Poverty rate is 14.1%, which is around average. Homes are going for about $195,900 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Bayou Cane sits at 618.2 per 100K. Household incomes average around $73,235 in Bayou Cane. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Worth the trade-offs? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up.
15 upvotes
12 Replies
Angel R.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
39 upvotes
Raymond M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Springfield. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
36 upvotes
Aurora Rodriguez
been saying this for years
28 upvotes
Jayden M.
spot on
27 upvotes
Landon Watson
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much manageable but now it's better than expected.
24 upvotes
John Garcia
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The food scene is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
21 upvotes
Piper S.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely tough and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
16 upvotes
Hunter Gutierrez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 12 years. Moved from Boston for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. tech 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are tough. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Can feel isolated. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Everly Hill
I've lived in Oak Park for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- The safety scene is tough
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. No regrets on my end..
12 upvotes
Josiah C.
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
4 upvotes
Madelyn Long
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Old Town. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
2 upvotes
Carter Walker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 13 years. Moved from Atlanta for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are pretty good. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Limited shopping options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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