Random thought, I work in engineering and Rent is about $928/month for a decent place. You can expect to pay around $928 for rent here. Median household income is $77,431, which feels about average for the area. The unemployment rate is 2.2%, which is pretty low. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Am I wrong here? Thanks for reading. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
18 upvotes
13 Replies
Abigail W.
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
39 upvotes
Everly Parker
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 14 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
37 upvotes
Cameron Evans
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Fairview. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
34 upvotes
Parker
Used to live on the Fairview side, now on the North side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
34 upvotes
James R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 9 years. Moved from LA for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2021 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
tech 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. Highland 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Chain restaurants dominate. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Paisley Lee
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Chicago about 12 years ago. The main reasons were work and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are wild, gas is tough.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
26 upvotes
indy_leo
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
24 upvotes
Jacob Turner
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Dallas about 15 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are affordable, gas is tough.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Definitely worth checking out..
23 upvotes
Charlotte Martinez
I've lived in Downtown for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
- The pet-friendliness scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
20 upvotes
Xavier Price
same here
20 upvotes
Lillian Gonzalez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 24, moved here 12 years ago from Portland. I've lived in East and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited shopping options
3. The walkability situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for remote workers. improving 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 Portland, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
18 upvotes
Quinn Jimenez
Moved here from Baltimore about 7 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to cost of living but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
12 upvotes
Katherine Reed
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
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