Been meaning to ask this. I'm a teacher here and It's a a small town city with about 18,576 people. Crime rate is something to consider -Bensenville sits at 93.4 per 100K. Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. The unemployment rate is 3.2%, which is pretty low. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Does this match your experience? Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
7 upvotes
7 Replies
Samuel Smith
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The weather is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
39 upvotes
Mackenzie Adams
I've lived in Midtown for about 4 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 Boston, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Close to major attractions
- The healthcare scene is tough
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
Eva Howard
not my experience at all
19 upvotes
Genesis Brooks
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 31, moved here 1 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Highland and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited shopping options
3. The housing market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
14 upvotes
Daniel D.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Houston about 6 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Definitely worth checking out..
10 upvotes
Colton
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Midtown. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in retail. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
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