First post here. I'm originally from Pittsburgh and The unemployment rate is 2.4%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $377,000 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Mount Prospect sits at 53.6 per 100K. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. Thanks in advance! Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development.
11 upvotes
2 Replies
Ralph T.
I've lived in East for about 7 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 Minneapolis, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The job market scene is tough
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Feel free to reach out with questions..
15 upvotes
Naomi Kim
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 51, moved here 4 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Lakewood and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The pet-friendliness situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for remote workers. average vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Miami, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
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