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philly_declan
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Freelancing from Hammond -experience?
Hi all, Has anyone dealt with this? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
13 upvotes
6 Replies
mountain_nicholas40
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 13 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
I've been here 13 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
34 upvotes
local_samuel94
following this thread
33 upvotes
Ian White
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 48, moved here 12 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in South and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited shopping options
3. The cultural scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Seattle, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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 sales manager, 48, moved here 12 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in South and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited shopping options
3. The cultural scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Seattle, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
29 upvotes
Jeremiah
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
22 upvotes
Samuel
I've lived in Highland for about 4 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 Portland, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Close to major attractions
- Strong sense of community
- The cost of living scene is average
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. No regrets on my end..
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Close to major attractions
- Strong sense of community
- The cost of living scene is average
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. No regrets on my end..
17 upvotes
Katherine P.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
5 upvotes