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mesalocal2020
living
What's it really like living in Elgin?
Hey folks, Poverty rate is 6.4%, which is pretty low. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. What would you do?
4 upvotes
14 Replies
Noah M.
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much affordable but now it's tough.
40 upvotes
Easton Reyes
hard disagree but ok
29 upvotes
Scott M.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is weather. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
28 upvotes
Waylon A.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 6 years. Moved from Charlotte for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. retail 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 exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is pretty good - 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. Eastside schools are pretty 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. Rising rent and home prices. Limited entertainment options. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Eastside for 6 years. Moved from Charlotte for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. retail 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 exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is pretty good - 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. Eastside schools are pretty 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. Rising rent and home prices. Limited entertainment options. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Carter Harris
Used to live on the The Heights side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
18 upvotes
evelyn_girl
as a local I can confirm
14 upvotes
Ian Brooks
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much competitive but now it's excellent.
12 upvotes
miami_ryan
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 31, moved here 5 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Sunset and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The safety situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Portland, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 31, moved here 5 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Sunset and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The safety situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Portland, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
12 upvotes
Violet Wood
following this thread
10 upvotes
Ezra Turner
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 10 years. Moved from Phoenix for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
retail 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 been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have rivers 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 decent. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited shopping options. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Downtown for 10 years. Moved from Phoenix for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
retail 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 been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have rivers 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 decent. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited shopping options. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
Jeremiah Brown
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from San Diego about 6 years ago. The main reasons were school and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are stable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
I'm a writer who relocated here from San Diego about 6 years ago. The main reasons were school and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are stable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
10 upvotes
Dylan F.
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
9 upvotes
Olivia P.
been saying this for years
6 upvotes
Julia Bennett
hard disagree but ok
1 upvotes