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Aurora P. housing

Rent vs buy in Lincoln Park -what makes sense?

OK so I'm a teacher here and Homes are going for about $419,500 on average. Median household income is $119,000, which feels pretty solid for the area. You can expect to pay around $1,824 for rent here. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.

Pros:
- Friendly people
- Good schools
- Good airport connections

Cons:
- Limited public transit
- Cold winters
- Far from major airports
- Not enough green space
What would you do? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
11 upvotes

5 Replies

Olivia Brown
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
38 upvotes
Evan C.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cultural scene. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
38 upvotes
adrian_lover
it depends on the neighborhood
30 upvotes
Frances G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.

I've been here 3 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. 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 golfing, this place is excellent.

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

Feel free to reach out with questions..
29 upvotes
Gabriel Wright
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a chef, 50, moved here 2 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Highland and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The food scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for retirees. excellent vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Seattle, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.

**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
0 upvotes
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