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Zoe S. best-worst

Most overrated things about La Grange

Hey everyone, We're a young couple and The unemployment rate is 1.4%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $154,556 in La Grange. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Let me know your thoughts. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up.
7 upvotes

12 Replies

Jessica R.
Moved here from New York about 5 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but Happy to answer more specific questions..
40 upvotes
Axel Collins
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Eastside for 10 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
marketing is strong here. tech 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 challenging - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are average. 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. Limited high-paying job options. And food scene can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Kaylee Edwards
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in East for 3 years. Moved from Chicago for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.

**Employment:**
education is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is tough - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Chain restaurants dominate. And dating scene can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Adrian L.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.

I've been here 15 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.

That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is improving.

Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.

No regrets on my end..
30 upvotes
Emmett Murphy
exactly what I was thinking
23 upvotes
Logan Flores
100%
18 upvotes
mia_local
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great sushi places. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
14 upvotes
Benjamin E.
I work in construction here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is better than expected. Hope this helps!.
14 upvotes
Melanie Reyes
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is decent in most areas.
11 upvotes
Gabriella R.
big facts right here
10 upvotes
Lily Williams
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 4 years. Moved from LA for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
healthcare is strong here. construction 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is improving - we have mountains 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 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Nightlife is limited. And traffic can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Emilia Rivera
I've lived in The Heights for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong sense of community
- The walkability scene is hit or miss

The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Bugs and humidity in summer

Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
2 upvotes
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