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Bella Thompson
housing
Affordable areas near Franklin Park?
Is this normal for Franklin Park? Appreciate any input. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
5 upvotes
5 Replies
Samantha W.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Lakewood. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Definitely worth checking out..
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Lakewood. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Definitely worth checking out..
31 upvotes
Jose Taylor
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Phoenix about 7 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Happy to answer more specific questions..
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Phoenix about 7 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Happy to answer more specific questions..
31 upvotes
Amelia K.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Highland. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in education. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Highland. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in education. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
30 upvotes
Jonathan White
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 30, moved here 10 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Riverside and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited shopping options
3. The housing market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for couples. surprisingly good 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 Boston, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K 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.
Background: I'm a writer, 30, moved here 10 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Riverside and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited shopping options
3. The housing market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for couples. surprisingly good 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 Boston, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K 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.
30 upvotes
Andrew Baker
wish I knew this sooner
25 upvotes