Hey everyone, My family moved here when I was a kid. Crime rate is something to consider -Hoffman Estates sits at 127.2 per 100K. It's a a smaller city city with about 51,186 people. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. What neighborhoods would you suggest? I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
27 upvotes
13 Replies
Eli Ortiz
I've lived in Greenfield for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
- The housing market scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Good luck with whatever you decide..
39 upvotes
dallasfan2023
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 41, moved here 2 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Lakewood and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The pet-friendliness situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Austin, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
37 upvotes
Asher
Moved here last year, no regrets.
35 upvotes
Sandra W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 7 years. Moved from Nashville for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Cedar Grove schools are solid. 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. Property taxes are high. Far from beaches/mountains. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Luke Bennett
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
31 upvotes
Isabella R.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
27 upvotes
detroitwalker2026
as a local I can confirm
26 upvotes
Kaylee
haha yep pretty much
21 upvotes
sf_delilah
Bought a house here in 2015 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
21 upvotes
Christian Morgan
wish I knew this sooner
16 upvotes
Olivia H.
This.
16 upvotes
stl_lillian
Came here for weather and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The cost of living is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
6 upvotes
Maya Alvarez
I'm a social worker and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
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