Hey, It's a a small town city with about 5,013 people. Rent is about $984/month for a decent place. Household incomes average around $72,768 in Dodgeville. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Thoughts? TIA! It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to.
5 upvotes
6 Replies
Carson Walker
same here
28 upvotes
Caroline Price
Bought a house here in 2023 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
21 upvotes
William Ramos
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Houston about 3 years ago. The main reasons were work and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Happy to answer more specific questions..
13 upvotes
Julian B.
I've lived in Oak Park for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
- The healthcare scene is tough
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
6 upvotes
Christian
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 11 years. Moved from New York for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are hit or miss. 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 dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
3 upvotes
Eli Morris
I've lived in Eastside for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Affordable housing options
- The food scene scene is solid
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. Hope this helps!.