Anyone else feel this way? I'm retired and The median home value here is around $377,400, which seems about average. Rent is about $1,820/month for a decent place. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Any advice would be great. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
0 upvotes
15 Replies
Cynthia J.
great question, following
25 upvotes
Willow Torres
bump
22 upvotes
Everett Collins
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 10 years. Moved from Austin for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. government 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 pretty good - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are challenging. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Ava
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
19 upvotes
Rylee Collins
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. No regrets on my end..
18 upvotes
Connor
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Cedar Grove. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in legal. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
16 upvotes
Ryan Parker
100%
14 upvotes
Noah M.
I work in engineering here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is decent. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
12 upvotes
Bryan C.
been saying this for years
7 upvotes
Sarah Torres
Saving this thread
6 upvotes
Charlotte Scott
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from New York about 5 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good internet infrastructure
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is solid.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Definitely worth checking out..
4 upvotes
Austin Parker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Phoenix about 8 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good airport with direct flights
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are stable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Hope this helps!.
4 upvotes
Madelyn King
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Portland about 5 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are competitive, gas is challenging.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
2 upvotes
Leo Diaz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 47, moved here 1 years ago from LA. I've lived in East and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The nightlife situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 LA, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K 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.
1 upvotes
Kinsley Wood
I've lived in Oak Park for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- The nightlife scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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