Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a 49-year-old restaurant manager and With a population of 21,444, Five Corners is a small town. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. What neighborhoods would you suggest?
10 upvotes
9 Replies
Everett W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 11 years. Moved from Raleigh for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are challenging. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited shopping options. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
denverheart2026
I work in consulting here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is challenging. Good luck with whatever you decide..
26 upvotes
real_ella23
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 51, moved here 12 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in East and Highland, 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. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The food scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Dallas, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
25 upvotes
Kennedy W.
I've lived in Highland for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
- The outdoor recreation scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Happy to answer more specific questions..
22 upvotes
Matthew Castillo
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
19 upvotes
Jack Long
I've lived in Oak Park for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
- The school system scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
15 upvotes
mesafan2024
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Good luck with whatever you decide..
13 upvotes
Jack Gonzalez
hmm interesting perspective
12 upvotes
Linda B.
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
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