We have two kids and Household incomes average around $56,815 in North Chicago. Homes are going for about $147,800 on average. You can expect to pay around $1,392 for rent here. Crime rate is something to consider -North Chicago sits at 439.5 per 100K. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
7 upvotes
20 Replies
proud_gabriella57
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Downtown. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in real estate. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
40 upvotes
Audrey Roberts
big facts right here
36 upvotes
Harper Brown
Moved here from Charlotte about 3 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to weather but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
36 upvotes
minneapolislover2025
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Lakewood area are underrated. Kids love it here.
34 upvotes
Ezra
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely tough and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
32 upvotes
Natalie C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 45, moved here 8 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Westside and The Heights, 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. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The school system situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for remote workers. hit or miss 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 Minneapolis, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
30 upvotes
Nolan D.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 13 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
26 upvotes
Ian Mitchell
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
24 upvotes
Ezekiel Morris
following this thread
23 upvotes
Roman Ward
thanks for sharing
22 upvotes
lake_jordan44
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
20 upvotes
Sarah Miller
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 15 years. Moved from San Diego for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2017 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. marketing 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. Eastside schools are hit or miss. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Limited entertainment options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
sarah_heart
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 50, moved here 12 years ago from New York. I've lived in West and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The traffic situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
18 upvotes
Jeremy K.
Bought a house here in 2016 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
16 upvotes
Silas Green
Came here for school and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The food scene is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
12 upvotes
Christina R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Oak Park. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in retail. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Korean.
No regrets on my end..
10 upvotes
isabelle_dude
Saving this thread
9 upvotes
Ariana James
underrated comment
9 upvotes
David Lewis
spot on
6 upvotes
Emma Wright
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 15 years. Moved from Tampa for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
healthcare is strong here. consulting 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is improving - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West 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. Rising rent and home prices. Homeless population growing downtown. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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