Anyone else feel this way? Born and raised here. Poverty rate is 10.9%, which is around average. Household incomes average around $62,462 in Belvidere. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
15 upvotes
3 Replies
Aubrey L.
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much reasonable but now it's challenging.
33 upvotes
Ariana Walker
Totally agree!
29 upvotes
Maverick Davis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 34, moved here 6 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The nightlife situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for singles. pretty 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 Houston, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$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.