Median household income is $104,028, which feels pretty solid for the area. With a population of 5,682, Lake Goodwin is a small town. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Worth the trade-offs?
1 upvotes
12 Replies
James G.
not my experience at all
34 upvotes
Isla S.
exactly what I was thinking
32 upvotes
Kai Price
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 3 years. Moved from Chicago for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. hospitality 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:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. Uptown 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Limited high-paying job options. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Addison M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 35, moved here 4 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Sunset and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The outdoor recreation situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for remote workers. 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 Phoenix, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
19 upvotes
Kinsley F.
thanks for sharing
17 upvotes
Katherine Hernandez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 12 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
15 upvotes
Rylee Gutierrez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 53, moved here 15 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Sunset and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The walkability situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Austin, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
15 upvotes
Gabriella Rodriguez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 33, moved here 8 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Meadowbrook and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited shopping options
3. The food scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Dallas, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
13 upvotes
Audrey Brooks
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Baltimore about 5 years ago. The main reasons were weather and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are competitive, gas is tough.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
13 upvotes
Maverick Hill
accurate
9 upvotes
Bennett Williams
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
3 upvotes
Luna Wood
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 12 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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