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Arianna W. moving

Relocating to Jacksonville, IL -pros and cons?

Alright, Am I wrong here? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
0 upvotes

2 Replies

Santiago E.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Riverside for 2 years. Moved from Nashville for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2021 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.

**Employment:**
government is strong here. real estate 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 was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is improving - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside schools are decent. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Road conditions need improvement. And job market can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
theodore_dude
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.

I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Minneapolis about 10 years ago. The main reasons were school and weather.

Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options

Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- 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 stable, gas is challenging.

Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
7 upvotes
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