OK so My partner and I are The median home value here is around $318,200, which seems about average. It's a a smaller city city with about 59,408 people. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Is this normal for Des Plaines?
0 upvotes
23 Replies
Lucy Murphy
Came here for retirement and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The public transit is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
38 upvotes
Eleanor King
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
36 upvotes
oaklandnative2020
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
35 upvotes
Grace H.
yeah no that's not right
33 upvotes
Kai A.
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
28 upvotes
Leo Lopez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
27 upvotes
Jacob R.
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
27 upvotes
Liam S.
yeah no that's not right
26 upvotes
Joshua A.
seconding this
23 upvotes
Lucas Miller
hmm interesting perspective
19 upvotes
David Long
same here
18 upvotes
Evan Hughes
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
14 upvotes
Bennett Wilson
big facts right here
14 upvotes
Sofia Young
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
13 upvotes
Hazel Evans
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from New York about 11 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are growing, gas is solid.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. No regrets on my end..
13 upvotes
Violet R.
haha yep pretty much
12 upvotes
Nathan Williams
I work in consulting here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is challenging. Happy to answer more specific questions..
11 upvotes
Lydia J.
lol so true
9 upvotes
Quinn Stewart
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 10 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
6 upvotes
Maya
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely decent and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
5 upvotes
Natalie N.
Can confirm, been here 12 years.
5 upvotes
Abigail Nelson
Saving this thread
3 upvotes
Lillian Long
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 10 years. Moved from Phoenix for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. engineering 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:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset 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. Can feel isolated. Homeless population growing downtown. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
All Countries
