I work in engineering and Poverty rate is 13.3%, which is around average. You can expect to pay around $1,723 for rent here. It's a a smaller city city with about 85,933 people. With a population of 85,933, Hawthorne is a smaller city. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Am I overthinking this? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
12 upvotes
17 Replies
Roman Murphy
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want community vibe, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
38 upvotes
Elena Ortiz
wish I knew this sooner
36 upvotes
Ezra W.
I've lived in The Heights for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
- The food scene scene is improving
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Feel free to reach out with questions..
34 upvotes
Hunter Hughes
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 3 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
33 upvotes
tulsa_aubrey
spot on
32 upvotes
Mason Gomez
This.
29 upvotes
Jordan W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 35, moved here 7 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Westside and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The housing market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for young professionals. underrated 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 Seattle, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K 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.
24 upvotes
Everly Torres
I've lived in East for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good airport with direct flights
- The pet-friendliness scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
24 upvotes
Matthew Nelson
as a local I can confirm
21 upvotes
Angel Jimenez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 8 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
20 upvotes
Josiah R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 4 years. Moved from Charlotte for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is decent - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are pretty good. 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. Limited public transit options. Summers can be brutally hot. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Jose Hernandez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 12 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
16 upvotes
Luca J.
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much stable but now it's excellent.
14 upvotes
Angel Parker
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is improving in most areas.
9 upvotes
Ian Martin
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 7 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
8 upvotes
Kayden N.
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Active local events and festivals
- The public transit scene is tough
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Good luck with whatever you decide..
3 upvotes
vegas_kennedy
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is challenging in most areas.
All Countries
