Hey everyone, People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Let me know your thoughts.
9 upvotes
10 Replies
Jonathan
Came here for weather and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The pet-friendliness is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
38 upvotes
Avery Garcia
honestly same experience here
29 upvotes
Emilia S.
Used to live on the Cedar Grove side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
28 upvotes
Eliana Carter
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 26, moved here 15 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Old Town and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The outdoor recreation situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Charlotte, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
27 upvotes
Gabriel Lewis
Moved here from Denver about 14 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to cost of living but Happy to answer more specific questions..
26 upvotes
Oliver Thompson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
25 upvotes
Isabelle T.
I've lived in Highland 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 Charlotte, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
- The walkability scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Definitely worth checking out..
20 upvotes
Ava C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Springfield. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in real estate. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
20 upvotes
Jack Ruiz
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.
17 upvotes
Bella Bennett
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.