Hey folks, With a population of 11,027, Holmen is a small town. Rent is about $1,164/month for a decent place. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. Anyone in a similar situation?
6 upvotes
12 Replies
Hazel R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 13 years. Moved from Houston for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. consulting 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are improving. 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 shopping options. Far from beaches/mountains. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Silas Ruiz
Can confirm, been here 11 years.
33 upvotes
Eleanor Brown
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in East. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in real estate. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Hope this helps!.
33 upvotes
Lily W.
following this thread
32 upvotes
Emily Nelson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely tough and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Springfield) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
25 upvotes
Hunter Bailey
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 1 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
22 upvotes
Genesis Gutierrez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Charlotte about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Happy to answer more specific questions..
15 upvotes
Nathan Kelly
as a local I can confirm
10 upvotes
Mary R.
accurate
8 upvotes
Elizabeth
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 38, moved here 9 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in East and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The public transit situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K 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.
6 upvotes
Roman W.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is school system. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
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