Anyone else feel this way? I grew up here but left for a while. Poverty rate is 13.8%, which is around average. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
11 upvotes
10 Replies
Alice
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
36 upvotes
Caroline Garcia
lol so true
30 upvotes
Emilia Hill
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 11 years. Moved from Denver for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2018 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. healthcare 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is decent - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town 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. Limited high-paying job options. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Everly Chavez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 1 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
25 upvotes
Everett Walker
not my experience at all
17 upvotes
Lydia Ramos
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Oak Park. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
Aaliyah Alvarez
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- The pet-friendliness scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
12 upvotes
Roman C.
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good airport with direct flights
- The walkability scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
9 upvotes
Aria C.
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The walkability is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
3 upvotes
Levi Watson
Moved here from Charlotte about 10 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to food scene but Feel free to reach out with questions..
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