Hey folks, Household incomes average around $68,548 in Cicero. Crime rate is something to consider -Cicero sits at 317.5 per 100K. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Am I overthinking this? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
3 upvotes
10 Replies
Emily Howard
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
40 upvotes
Camila Harris
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
39 upvotes
Bennett Y.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 4 years. Moved from New York for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2021 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is solid - we have rivers 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 underrated. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Bugs and humidity in summer. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
bostongirl2026
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
27 upvotes
Nicholas Peterson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely solid and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (South) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
26 upvotes
Aurora S.
Can confirm, been here 9 years.
16 upvotes
Nolan Turner
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Charlotte about 8 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Affordable housing options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is average.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
14 upvotes
Sarah Phillips
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely solid and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
13 upvotes
Willie C.
noted, appreciate it
3 upvotes
Isaiah
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 9 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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