I grew up here but left for a while. The median home value here is around $305,100, which seems about average. Homes are going for about $305,100 on average. With a population of 92,697, O'Fallon is a smaller city. Average temperature is around 55--F, so expect cold winters. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Would love some local perspective. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. 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. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
11 upvotes
15 Replies
Luke S.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
40 upvotes
Lucy
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great farm-to-table places. it was the best decision I ever made.
40 upvotes
Everly Alvarez
Bought a house here in 2019 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone about the same since then.
39 upvotes
Nova
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much pricey but now it's improving.
37 upvotes
Julian Adams
honestly same experience here
29 upvotes
Gabriel Brown
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in The Heights area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
23 upvotes
tucsonnative2026
I'm a project manager and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
20 upvotes
Skylar Williams
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 9 years. Moved from Atlanta for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2021 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. South 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. Dating scene is rough. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Nicholas T.
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.
15 upvotes
Mateo King
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely improving and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
9 upvotes
Sofia
yeah no that's not right
9 upvotes
Liam Martin
Came here for work and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The dating scene is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
4 upvotes
Ethan P.
Totally agree!
2 upvotes
Jack B.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Definitely worth checking out..
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