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Owen Long
qa
Weekend activities in Downers Grove?
Been meaning to ask this. I'm a 42-year-old lawyer and What neighborhoods would you suggest?
22 upvotes
15 Replies
Nathan P.
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The school system is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
31 upvotes
Luke R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 6 years. Moved from Nashville for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is improving - we have hiking 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 excellent. 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. Limited entertainment options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Sunset for 6 years. Moved from Nashville for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is improving - we have hiking 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 excellent. 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. Limited entertainment options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Riley Diaz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 9 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I've been here 9 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
27 upvotes
Emmett Flores
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
26 upvotes
Camila Perez
Came here for cost of living and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The safety is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
24 upvotes
Emily Nelson
I work in construction here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is challenging. No regrets on my end..
23 upvotes
Julian Adams
Saving this thread
22 upvotes
Aria Perez
I've lived in West for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- The dating scene scene is solid
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Feel free to reach out with questions..
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- The dating scene scene is solid
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Feel free to reach out with questions..
21 upvotes
Mason Morales
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
18 upvotes
Zoe Young
I've been living here for 13 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The nightlife is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
16 upvotes
Leah Scott
honestly same experience here
12 upvotes
Jacob
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 8 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
I've been here 8 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
11 upvotes
Jayden Campbell
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Pine Hills area are decent. Kids love it here.
10 upvotes
Sebastian Parker
I've lived in Uptown for about 14 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 Baltimore, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The public transit scene is decent
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The public transit scene is decent
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
4 upvotes
Andrew Howard
great question, following
0 upvotes