Hey, Average temperature is around 49--F, so expect cold winters. With a population of 49,867, Downers Grove is a smaller city. Crime rate is something to consider -Downers Grove sits at 93.0 per 100K. You can expect to pay around $1,589 for rent here. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Should I be concerned? The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
13 upvotes
27 Replies
Julian Reyes
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from LA about 5 years ago. The main reasons were school and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good airport with direct flights
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are manageable, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
36 upvotes
Delilah Flores
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Oak Park for 15 years. Moved from Charlotte for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. Oak Park schools are better than expected. 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 outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
William A.
interesting, hadn't considered that
34 upvotes
Colton C.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Feel free to reach out with questions..
33 upvotes
Isaiah P.
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The walkability is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
31 upvotes
Wesley Torres
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
31 upvotes
Noah C.
as a local I can confirm
28 upvotes
Roy M.
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
26 upvotes
Aiden James
seconding this
24 upvotes
Brielle Gonzalez
Used to live on the Greenfield side, now on the South side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
21 upvotes
Carson White
100%
19 upvotes
Lillian Baker
haha yep pretty much
17 upvotes
Caleb P.
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The food scene is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
17 upvotes
Landon Thomas
good to know, thanks
17 upvotes
leah_mama
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 12 years. Moved from Tampa for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have desert landscapes 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 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Property taxes are high. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Dylan Anderson
I work in construction here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is average. Definitely worth checking out..
13 upvotes
Cynthia S.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Seattle about 5 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is solid.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
11 upvotes
Joseph A.
haha yep pretty much
9 upvotes
Eliana Sanchez
Totally agree!
8 upvotes
cincyguy2025
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
8 upvotes
Grace Harris
glad someone said it
7 upvotes
Charles P.
following this thread
7 upvotes
Axel Ross
preach
2 upvotes
Eleanor Kim
I'm a pharmacist and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
2 upvotes
Samuel Gonzalez
wish I knew this sooner
1 upvotes
Mia M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in South. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in education. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Southern.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
0 upvotes
Willow
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 12 years. Moved from Phoenix for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2018 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. retail 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:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. East 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. Winters are long and cold. Nightlife is limited. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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