Been living here since 2017. Crime rate is something to consider -Brookline sits at 96.7 per 100K. Median household income is $140,631, which feels pretty solid for the area. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Should I be concerned? TIA!
11 upvotes
19 Replies
Cameron
facts
39 upvotes
Santiago G.
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
34 upvotes
miamichef2020
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Houston about 4 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of new development happening
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is solid.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Definitely worth checking out..
33 upvotes
Peyton
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in South. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in marketing. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
No regrets on my end..
33 upvotes
Jack R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 10 years. Moved from Chicago for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is average - 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. West schools are average. 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 shopping options. Far from beaches/mountains. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Evan Peterson
haha yep pretty much
25 upvotes
Victoria
I've been living here for 13 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The nightlife is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
25 upvotes
Charlotte S.
I work in engineering here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is excellent. Feel free to reach out with questions..
22 upvotes
Thomas R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 6 years. Moved from Portland for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
emmett_chef
wish I knew this sooner
20 upvotes
Michael C.
underrated comment
19 upvotes
Owen Jones
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is underrated in most areas.
19 upvotes
Nova White
I've lived in Sunset for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Affordable housing options
- The safety scene is average
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. No regrets on my end..
18 upvotes
Ian Wright
exactly what I was thinking
14 upvotes
Violet F.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely better than expected and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Eastside) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
14 upvotes
Leonardo Ramos
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Good luck with whatever you decide..
11 upvotes
Adeline
been saying this for years
10 upvotes
Emmett Johnson
Bought a house here in 2022 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
5 upvotes
Ellie Morris
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Pittsburgh it's average.
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