Hey folks, My family moved here when I was a kid. With a population of 5,400, Lake Barrington is a small town. Poverty rate is 5.0%, which is pretty low. It's a a small town city with about 5,400 people. The unemployment rate is 3.1%, which is pretty low. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Any help is appreciated. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
4 upvotes
7 Replies
William Martinez
been saying this for years
38 upvotes
Deborah R.
underrated comment
37 upvotes
Ella L.
accurate
37 upvotes
Levi Garcia
Bought a house here in 2023 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
30 upvotes
Nevaeh
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Chicago about 15 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are wild, gas is solid.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Feel free to reach out with questions..
27 upvotes
Henry D.
Saving this thread
26 upvotes
Isla J.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 39, moved here 14 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Riverside and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The pet-friendliness situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for singles. average vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 San Diego, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
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