Hey, I grew up here but left for a while. Crime rate is something to consider -Mount Prospect sits at 53.6 per 100K. Household incomes average around $103,911 in Mount Prospect. Poverty rate is 4.3%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $377,000 on average. Median household income is $103,911, which feels pretty solid for the area. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cheers. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
26 upvotes
8 Replies
Isaac
I've lived in Downtown for about 14 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 Seattle, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
- The safety scene is tough
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Definitely worth checking out..
33 upvotes
Sean T.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
30 upvotes
Caroline Baker
Bought a house here in 2022 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
25 upvotes
Kaylee Walker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 39, moved here 7 years ago from New York. I've lived in Oak Park and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited shopping options
3. The nightlife situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 New York, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
14 upvotes
Catherine C.
same here
10 upvotes
Mackenzie Lopez
I work in government here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is challenging. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
7 upvotes
Sarah Rodriguez
Moved here from Miami about 13 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
7 upvotes
Catherine C.
Bought a house here in 2024 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
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