Hello, Rent is about $1,454/month for a decent place. Household incomes average around $103,911 in Mount Prospect. The unemployment rate is 2.4%, which is pretty low. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Does this match your experience? Looking forward to hearing from you all. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development.
24 upvotes
6 Replies
Kayden W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from New York about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is solid.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
36 upvotes
Keith C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 14 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
27 upvotes
Riley Gray
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely tough and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Eastside) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
23 upvotes
Hudson Peterson
thanks for sharing
20 upvotes
Jonathan Bailey
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 9 years. Moved from San Francisco for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are improving. 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. Limited shopping options. Dating scene is rough. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
All Countries
