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Kai Parker best-worst

Best hidden gems in Palos Heights

Not sure if this has been asked before, but I've been here for 11 years and Median household income is $107,974, which feels pretty solid for the area. Household incomes average around $107,974 in Palos Heights. Poverty rate is 3.0%, which is pretty low. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Looking forward to hearing from you all. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development.
10 upvotes

12 Replies

lafan2021
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Old Town for 15 years. Moved from Raleigh for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.

**Employment:**
retail is strong here. construction 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is tough - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are excellent. 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. Winters are long and cold. Homeless population growing downtown. 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.
40 upvotes
Aubrey K.
glad someone said it
36 upvotes
denver_daniel
bump
33 upvotes
Connor M.
wish I knew this sooner
29 upvotes
Kennedy
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great Korean places. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
29 upvotes
Zoey Hill
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in North for 11 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2023 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.

**Employment:**
construction is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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 improving. 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. Nightlife is limited. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And dating scene can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Nolan Brooks
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cultural scene. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
14 upvotes
David C.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
11 upvotes
Parker Thomas
Can confirm, been here 6 years.
9 upvotes
Serenity Castillo
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a real estate agent, 41, moved here 7 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Old Town and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The safety situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Phoenix, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.

**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
7 upvotes
Alexander R.
I work in real estate here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is challenging. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
0 upvotes
Katherine Collins
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
0 upvotes
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