Born and raised here. It's a a small town city with about 24,126 people. With a population of 24,126, Collinsville is a small town. Crime rate is something to consider -Collinsville sits at 261.3 per 100K. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
14 upvotes
9 Replies
Hunter Miller
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Baltimore about 12 years ago. The main reasons were family and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
35 upvotes
Ellie Evans
Came here for weather and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The public transit is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
31 upvotes
Theodore Taylor
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
30 upvotes
Nolan Richardson
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great BBQ places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
30 upvotes
Scarlett Kim
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely tough and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (North) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene 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.
26 upvotes
Avery Harris
preach
21 upvotes
Santiago Alvarez
seconding this
14 upvotes
Quinn
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 2 years. Moved from Raleigh for weather. 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. Downtown schools are challenging. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Homeless population growing downtown. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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