I'm retired and Poverty rate is 9.4%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $54,084 in Elwood. Homes are going for about $92,800 on average. Rent is about $838/month for a decent place. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. Looking forward to hearing from you all. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
6 upvotes
6 Replies
Silas Johnson
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
39 upvotes
Kai Torres
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
35 upvotes
Aubrey
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 15 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
28 upvotes
Kai Cox
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
20 upvotes
Gabriel T.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely challenging and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Midtown) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
8 upvotes
Miles Jackson
I work in construction here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is better than expected. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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