Hey, Median household income is $44,811, which feels on the lower side for the area. The unemployment rate is 4.4%, which is about average. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Appreciate any input.
10 upvotes
14 Replies
Allison Garcia
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 54, moved here 3 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Eastside and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Property taxes are high
3. The food scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K 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.
35 upvotes
Genesis
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
34 upvotes
Mason Lewis
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely excellent and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
33 upvotes
Charlotte W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 55, moved here 8 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cost of living situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for singles. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Phoenix, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
32 upvotes
Nova Long
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
28 upvotes
Xavier Ortiz
same here
28 upvotes
Levi Rogers
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 14 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
22 upvotes
Theodore Garcia
Bought a house here in 2017 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
20 upvotes
Adam James
literally same
18 upvotes
Asher Sanders
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The healthcare is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
15 upvotes
Aaron
lol so true
14 upvotes
Emily Gutierrez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 15 years. Moved from Baltimore for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2022 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. real estate 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's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is improving - we have rivers 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 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited entertainment options. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Arianna
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The healthcare scene is tough
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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