Random thought, With a population of 34,642, Northbrook is a smaller city. Median household income is $155,321, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's a a smaller city city with about 34,642 people. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Has anyone dealt with this? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
15 upvotes
27 Replies
Katherine
This.
37 upvotes
Ryan A.
I've lived in Downtown for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The public transit scene is decent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Hope this helps!.
36 upvotes
Elena Garcia
yep
35 upvotes
phoenix_elena
I work in real estate here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is excellent. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
Elena
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
32 upvotes
Theodore Taylor
Can confirm, been here 5 years.
31 upvotes
lake_benjamin34
yeah no that's not right
30 upvotes
Emilia Brooks
interesting, hadn't considered that
30 upvotes
Everett M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from New York about 2 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is improving.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
28 upvotes
Ethan Wright
following this thread
27 upvotes
urban_caroline83
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
24 upvotes
Bennett James
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the South side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
24 upvotes
Sophia White
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
23 upvotes
Anna Flores
This.
20 upvotes
Bennett Taylor
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 13 years. Moved from Baltimore for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is solid - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are tough. 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. Property taxes are high. Can feel isolated. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Aaron
accurate
18 upvotes
Maverick Diaz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 1 years. Moved from Houston for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have state parks 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 average. 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 public transit options. Limited shopping options. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Carson Bennett
I've lived in Old Town for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Diverse dining options
- The walkability scene is average
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
16 upvotes
Hannah Young
Moved here last year, no regrets.
15 upvotes
Zoey Lopez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 8 years. Moved from Boston for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Rising rent and home prices. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Addison M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely pretty good and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Riverside) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
13 upvotes
Daniel Watson
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Diverse dining options
- The school system scene is average
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
13 upvotes
Adrian Nelson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 9 years. Moved from Baltimore for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. North 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Dating scene is rough. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Nicholas Brown
lol so true
10 upvotes
Nathan Thomas
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
10 upvotes
Hailey Campbell
Moved here from Miami about 13 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to safety but Good luck with whatever you decide..
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