With a population of 114K, Elgin is a mid-size city. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
51 upvotes
7 Replies
Delilah King
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 12 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are tough. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. Far from beaches/mountains. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
adrian_girl
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 40, moved here 7 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Midtown and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The school system situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Westside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Nashville, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
34 upvotes
Isabelle Clark
Bought a house here in 2015 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone about the same since then.
31 upvotes
happy_quinn28
yeah no that's not right
6 upvotes
Kayden Anderson
not my experience at all
0 upvotes
Walter M.
lol so true
0 upvotes
Philip F.
Used to live on the Meadowbrook side, now on the Fairview side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
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