I relocated for work and With a population of 83,223, Cicero is a smaller city. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Anyone in a similar situation? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
11 upvotes
13 Replies
Joshua A.
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 dating scene is genuinely improving and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Highland) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Limited entertainment 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.
40 upvotes
Colton Scott
spot on
39 upvotes
Bennett Thompson
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
35 upvotes
Stella White
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 8 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are stable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
34 upvotes
Xavier H.
been saying this for years
29 upvotes
Nora Torres
I'm a lawyer and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
29 upvotes
Victoria Young
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 35, moved here 8 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The outdoor recreation situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Portland, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
24 upvotes
Julian
noted, appreciate it
22 upvotes
Adrian R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 10 years. Moved from Baltimore for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are surprisingly 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. Winters are long and cold. Nightlife is limited. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Audrey Rodriguez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 10 years. Moved from Phoenix for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are improving. 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. Property taxes are high. Chain restaurants dominate. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
indygirl2025
it depends on the neighborhood
10 upvotes
Amelia W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 24, moved here 3 years ago from LA. I've lived in Eastside and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The community vibe situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 LA, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
9 upvotes
Teresa J.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Chicago about 14 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are developing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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