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Brooks Torres
best-worst
Things Lombard needs to improve
Alright, The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
9 upvotes
27 Replies
Brooks Price
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Seattle about 11 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are stable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Seattle about 11 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are stable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
40 upvotes
Ellie Ramirez
wish I knew this sooner
40 upvotes
hunter_kid
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 5 years. Moved from Minneapolis for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have hiking trails 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 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Winters are long and cold. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 5 years. Moved from Minneapolis for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have hiking trails 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 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Winters are long and cold. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Bella Clark
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
- The outdoor recreation scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
- The outdoor recreation scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
35 upvotes
chill_ariana20
Bought a house here in 2017 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
35 upvotes
Silas L.
lol so true
32 upvotes
Scarlett P.
facts
32 upvotes
james_papa
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 3 years. Moved from Baltimore for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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 pretty 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Road conditions need improvement. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Eastside for 3 years. Moved from Baltimore for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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 pretty 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Road conditions need improvement. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Charles J.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 4 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
I've been here 4 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
28 upvotes
Thomas Garcia
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Boston it's underrated.
27 upvotes
Aaliyah Green
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Baltimore about 5 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are stable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Baltimore about 5 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are stable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Samuel Williams
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. No regrets on my end..
26 upvotes
Nolan Gonzalez
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
25 upvotes
Grace T.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 14 years. Moved from Chicago for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. 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 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. manufacturing 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 exceeded my expectations. 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. Pine Hills schools are underrated. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Homeless population growing downtown. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Pine Hills for 14 years. Moved from Chicago for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. 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 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. manufacturing 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 exceeded my expectations. 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. Pine Hills schools are underrated. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Homeless population growing downtown. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Jeremiah Collins
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 24, moved here 2 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Downtown and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The nightlife situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Boston, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
Background: I'm a writer, 24, moved here 2 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Downtown and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The nightlife situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Boston, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
23 upvotes
Frances R.
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 3 years. Moved from New York for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2023 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have desert landscapes 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 better than expected. 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. Winters are long and cold. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 3 years. Moved from New York for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2023 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have desert landscapes 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 better than expected. 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. Winters are long and cold. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Zoe F.
interesting, hadn't considered that
20 upvotes
Zoe Lopez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Baltimore about 15 years ago. The main reasons were school and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Baltimore about 15 years ago. The main reasons were school and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
20 upvotes
Aubrey Peterson
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much stable but now it's solid.
19 upvotes
Walter T.
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The school system is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
16 upvotes
columbusvibes2022
This.
14 upvotes
Cameron Bailey
Moved here from Denver about 4 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to nightlife but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
9 upvotes
Amelia Ramirez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Seattle about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Close to major attractions
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is solid.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Seattle about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Close to major attractions
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is solid.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
7 upvotes
Colton Gomez
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much affordable but now it's improving.
6 upvotes
Scott F.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
5 upvotes
omaha_aaron
hard disagree but ok
4 upvotes
Aubrey Green
+1
1 upvotes