Anyone else feel this way? Crime rate is something to consider -Crystal Lake sits at 446.6 per 100K. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cheers. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
9 upvotes
5 Replies
Isla L.
Saving this thread
33 upvotes
Paisley Jimenez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Baltimore about 10 years ago. The main reasons were weather and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are stable, gas is improving.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. No regrets on my end..
30 upvotes
Zoe R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 28, moved here 13 years ago from Boston. I've lived in North and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The housing market situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for families. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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
Katherine
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if nightlife matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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