I'm a 40-year-old software engineer and Poverty rate is 7.6%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $100,852 in Elmwood Park. Crime rate is something to consider -Elmwood Park sits at 124.4 per 100K. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. What are your go-to spots? The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. 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. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. 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. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
12 upvotes
3 Replies
oaklandliving2024
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 41, moved here 1 years ago from New York. I've lived in South and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The nightlife situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 New York, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
36 upvotes
Leah Thomas
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from San Francisco about 12 years ago. The main reasons were family and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is improving.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. No regrets on my end..
31 upvotes
luca_heart
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 58, moved here 12 years ago from LA. I've lived in Springfield and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The traffic situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for families. solid vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 LA, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
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