Been meaning to ask this. We're a young couple and Crime rate is something to consider -Crete sits at 234.7 per 100K. Median household income is $97,984, which feels pretty solid for the area. Average temperature is around 50--F, so expect cold winters. Household incomes average around $97,984 in Crete. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What neighborhoods would you suggest? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
15 upvotes
14 Replies
Isla Cook
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 4 years. Moved from Chicago for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. engineering 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Chain restaurants dominate. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Samuel Miller
100%
34 upvotes
Harper Diaz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 31, moved here 7 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Highland and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The outdoor recreation situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for couples. underrated 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 Seattle, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
32 upvotes
Kathleen M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Houston about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Diverse dining options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. No regrets on my end..
31 upvotes
Lucas Taylor
100%
30 upvotes
Luca Alvarez
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
23 upvotes
Charlotte Lewis
glad someone said it
21 upvotes
Miles Long
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
17 upvotes
Robert R.
been saying this for years
16 upvotes
Theodore L.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Houston it's decent.
15 upvotes
Josiah Stewart
following this thread
9 upvotes
Jack L.
couldn't agree more
7 upvotes
Madeline Martin
glad someone said it
2 upvotes
Carter Bailey
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The safety is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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