OK so I relocated for work and Household incomes average around $85,541 in Hickory Hills. Homes are going for about $278,400 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Hickory Hills sits at 152.1 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 3.3%, which is pretty low. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Does this match your experience? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
2 upvotes
9 Replies
Harper Thomas
big facts right here
36 upvotes
Jameson C.
Used to live on the Springfield side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
34 upvotes
Savannah A.
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much stable but now it's surprisingly good.
32 upvotes
Aaliyah M.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Tampa it's decent.
31 upvotes
Ruby
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 15 years. Moved from Miami for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside schools are challenging. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Property taxes are high. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Leah Mitchell
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely tough and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Downtown) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation 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.
22 upvotes
Madelyn 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, 36, moved here 12 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The weather situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Nashville, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K 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.
18 upvotes
Aria Robinson
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cultural scene. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
18 upvotes
nolavibes2025
I work in healthcare here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is underrated. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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