Should I move to Mount Prospect or stay in Phoenix?
Poverty rate is 4.3%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $103,911 in Mount Prospect. The unemployment rate is 2.4%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $103,911, which feels pretty solid for the area. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
12 upvotes
7 Replies
Zoey M.
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 safety is genuinely better than expected and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (The Heights) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. school system 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.
37 upvotes
Carson Garcia
Came here for cost of living and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The walkability is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
31 upvotes
William M.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Definitely worth checking out..
16 upvotes
eva_mind
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 11 years. Moved from Seattle for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are excellent. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Levi Evans
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
8 upvotes
Grayson R.
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
5 upvotes
Isaac R.
Came here for family and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community vibe is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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