Should I move to Bolingbrook or stay in Minneapolis?
Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a 55-year-old electrician and The median home value here is around $295,500, which seems about average. Rent is about $1,718/month for a decent place. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
3 upvotes
7 Replies
mason_kid
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Atlanta 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 East. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
37 upvotes
Helen F.
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great Korean places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
35 upvotes
seattlemama2022
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Portland about 8 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are developing, gas is tough.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
32 upvotes
Asher Morris
haha yep pretty much
22 upvotes
Paisley Roberts
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from San Diego about 14 years ago. The main reasons were family and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are developing, gas is average.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Hope this helps!.
9 upvotes
landon_walker
literally same
3 upvotes
Zachary K.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 14 years. Moved from Minneapolis for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. marketing 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown 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. Limited public transit options. Not very walkable outside downtown. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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