Not sure if this has been asked before, but I grew up here but left for a while. It's a a smaller city city with about 27,381 people. Crime rate is something to consider -Green sits at 120.4 per 100K. The weather takes some getting used to. Thoughts? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
25 upvotes
4 Replies
local_easton22
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 9 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
34 upvotes
Savannah Johnson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 37, moved here 9 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in West and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The community vibe situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Phoenix, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
32 upvotes
Mateo
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 3 years. Moved from Nashville for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. legal 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is tough - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are excellent. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Limited high-paying job options. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Bella Gutierrez
I work in construction here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is average. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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