Not sure if this has been asked before, but I relocated for work and Homes are going for about $236,400 on average. You can expect to pay around $841 for rent here. With a population of 11,803, Evanston is a small town. It's a a small town city with about 11,803 people. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
0 upvotes
11 Replies
Benjamin Reyes
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
36 upvotes
Everett R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 5 years. Moved from Chicago for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. consulting 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is improving - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Cedar Grove schools are better than expected. 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. Limited shopping options. Dating scene is rough. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Grace
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community vibe is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
33 upvotes
Ruby Smith
Used to live on the Springfield side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
32 upvotes
Nora C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 8 years ago. The main reasons were weather and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are reasonable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. No regrets on my end..
28 upvotes
Luna Young
Totally agree!
17 upvotes
Joseph Morales
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
10 upvotes
Luna Roberts
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
8 upvotes
Josiah R.
hard disagree but ok
4 upvotes
Robert Flores
I've lived in Riverside for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Diverse dining options
- The housing market scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Hope this helps!.
3 upvotes
Luca Nelson
Bought a house here in 2024 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone about the same since then.
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