Curious what people think. With a population of 5,441, Cicero is a small town. Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. The unemployment rate is 1.1%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $251,000, which seems about average. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Anyone in a similar situation? Appreciate any input. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
3 upvotes
11 Replies
Benjamin
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 1 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
40 upvotes
Emily Gomez
wish I knew this sooner
35 upvotes
Daniel T.
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
29 upvotes
Naomi Chavez
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
25 upvotes
houstonliving2025
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
17 upvotes
Julian Gomez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 15 years. Moved from New York for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. consulting 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:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. North schools are hit or miss. 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. Limited entertainment options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
tampamama2021
facts
14 upvotes
kaylee_mind
seconding this
11 upvotes
Isabella Young
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
11 upvotes
kai_lover
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 9 years. Moved from Charlotte for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. healthcare 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. West 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. Road conditions need improvement. Limited entertainment options. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
4 upvotes
Ellie Price
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Houston about 11 years ago. The main reasons were work and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Homeless population growing downtown
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 affordable, gas is tough.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Definitely worth checking out..
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