OK so Rent is about $1,435/month for a decent place. With a population of 59,408, Des Plaines is a smaller city. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Anyone in a similar situation? Thanks for reading. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. 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.
2 upvotes
5 Replies
Joshua Price
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great seafood places. it was the best decision I ever made.
37 upvotes
Sarah M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 5 years. Moved from Nashville for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2024 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Not very walkable outside downtown. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Jeremiah Taylor
Bought a house here in 2024 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone about the same since then.
23 upvotes
Russell K.
I've lived in Uptown for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Diverse dining options
- The walkability scene is tough
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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