Hey folks, Crime rate is something to consider -Huntley sits at 14.4 per 100K. Is this normal for Huntley?
10 upvotes
25 Replies
Caleb
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 8 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
39 upvotes
Josiah Garcia
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Miami it's improving.
37 upvotes
Kinsley Gonzalez
spot on
33 upvotes
Sebastian Sanders
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely tough and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (West) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic 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.
32 upvotes
Jonathan Cook
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The cultural scene is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
32 upvotes
Everly Robinson
underrated comment
31 upvotes
Skylar Kim
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is tough in most areas.
30 upvotes
Axel Bennett
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
28 upvotes
Addison Turner
Used to live on the Cedar Grove side, now on the Riverside side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
27 upvotes
Lydia H.
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 14 years. Moved from Raleigh for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have rivers 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 surprisingly good. 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited high-paying job options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Caroline
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Sunset area are improving. Kids love it here.
17 upvotes
Lillian Harris
Can confirm, been here 12 years.
16 upvotes
Bella
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
14 upvotes
houston_willow
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
14 upvotes
Rylee Campbell
Came here for family and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The walkability is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
13 upvotes
Wyatt Lopez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Phoenix about 7 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is solid.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
11 upvotes
living_ian11
underrated comment
8 upvotes
Ian Morgan
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
8 upvotes
Madeline A.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 8 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
7 upvotes
Amelia C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 13 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
5 upvotes
Dominic
I'm a lawyer and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
5 upvotes
Ariana Brown
Used to live on the Midtown side, now on the Westside side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
2 upvotes
Gloria H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 13 years. Moved from Raleigh for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. Springfield schools are hit or miss. 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 entertainment options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
2 upvotes
Elizabeth Murphy
following this thread
1 upvotes
Lily
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 14 years. Moved from San Francisco for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2022 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. construction 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Sunset 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. Winters are long and cold. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.