Hi all, I grew up here but left for a while. Median household income is $65,170, which feels about average for the area. With a population of 24,126, Collinsville is a small town. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Is this normal for Collinsville? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to.
15 upvotes
8 Replies
Luna S.
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
40 upvotes
Sarah Chavez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
40 upvotes
Oliver Taylor
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Raleigh about 2 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are wild, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Hope this helps!.
28 upvotes
Victoria Baker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 58, moved here 7 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Oak Park and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good healthcare facilities
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. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The cost of living situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Boston, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K 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.
18 upvotes
Hazel Evans
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The healthcare is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
17 upvotes
Miles Nguyen
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely better than expected and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
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