Alright, I'm a remote worker and You can expect to pay around $2,074 for rent here. The median home value here is around $326,800, which seems about average. Rent is about $2,074/month for a decent place. With a population of 13,327, Franklin Park is a small town. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Any advice would be great. TIA! The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
6 upvotes
11 Replies
Zoe Baker
haha yep pretty much
34 upvotes
Naomi K.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from New York about 9 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Affordable housing options
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Hope this helps!.
19 upvotes
Daniel Rogers
following this thread
17 upvotes
Lily Edwards
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Cedar Grove area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
16 upvotes
Dylan Rivera
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
15 upvotes
Mia C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 51, moved here 1 years ago from New York. I've lived in Fairview and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The community vibe situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 developing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
11 upvotes
Owen Gutierrez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 9 years. Moved from LA for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is average - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are tough. 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. Dating scene is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Lucas Wilson
yeah no that's not right
8 upvotes
Jesse H.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely better than expected and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Midtown) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
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