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mountain_lucas33 housing

Is Elwood still affordable?

Anyone else feel this way? You can expect to pay around $1,455 for rent here. Poverty rate is 0.8%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $1,455/month for a decent place. With a population of 11,140, Elwood is a small town. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
11 upvotes

3 Replies

Willow Ruiz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Fairview for 14 years. Moved from Boston for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.

**Employment:**
legal is strong here. healthcare 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 been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview 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. Nightlife is limited. Limited high-paying job options. And traffic can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Genesis Flores
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.

I'm a writer who relocated here from Baltimore about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and quality of life.

Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries

Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Can feel isolated

Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are competitive, gas is improving.

Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. No regrets on my end..
25 upvotes
Catherine B.
underrated comment
3 upvotes
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