Hey folks, I'm single, late 30s, and Average temperature is around 74--F, so it's warm year-round. Household incomes average around $123,586 in Horizon West. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Is this normal for Horizon West? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
23 upvotes
13 Replies
jackson_local
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 42, moved here 12 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Downtown and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited shopping options
3. The food scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for families. average vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Phoenix, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
34 upvotes
Josiah
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 29, moved here 5 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Greenfield and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The food scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Charlotte, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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
laliving2021
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great Asian places. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
24 upvotes
Kinsley Green
honestly same experience here
21 upvotes
Arianna
Came here for retirement and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor recreation is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
18 upvotes
Quinn Morris
I work in engineering here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is underrated. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
15 upvotes
Roman Gomez
Came here for quality of life and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The public transit is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
13 upvotes
Leo Brown
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
12 upvotes
John King
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great Thai places. it's been a really good experience overall.
11 upvotes
John Chavez
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Oak Park area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
9 upvotes
Oliver
I'm a contractor and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
7 upvotes
Anna C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely excellent and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
5 upvotes
Hailey D.
Used to live on the Cedar Grove side, now on the Highland side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
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