Not sure if this has been asked before, but We're a young couple and Crime rate is something to consider -Highland Park sits at 101.5 per 100K. Household incomes average around $101,991 in Highland Park. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. What do you all think? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
9 upvotes
12 Replies
Zoe
100%
33 upvotes
Skylar Flores
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Oak Park. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Indian.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
31 upvotes
Aurora James
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
29 upvotes
dcwalker2020
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 45, moved here 6 years ago from New York. I've lived in Springfield and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The pet-friendliness situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 New York, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
25 upvotes
Maverick
Moved here from Boston about 15 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to safety but Feel free to reach out with questions..
25 upvotes
James Foster
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if food scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
24 upvotes
Joshua Ortiz
seconding this
21 upvotes
nycvibes2022
not my experience at all
20 upvotes
Jack P.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Westside) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
17 upvotes
Olivia
lol so true
12 upvotes
Connor Lewis
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The safety is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
4 upvotes
Mateo T.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in South. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in real estate. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
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