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Christian Hughes housing

Affordable areas near Milan?

Hey folks, We have two kids and It's a a small town city with about 5,037 people. Household incomes average around $61,188 in Milan. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Would love some local perspective. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
14 upvotes

1 Replies

Nova Ward
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a data analyst, 36, moved here 14 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Low crime in most neighborhoods
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The housing market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for remote workers. average vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Chicago, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.

**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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
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