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Austin Howard
moving
Moving to Prospect Heights with kids -good idea?
Hey folks, Homes are going for about $347,500 on average. Thanks in advance!
1 upvotes
12 Replies
Julia Cox
accurate
35 upvotes
Axel
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
32 upvotes
Leonardo Price
following this thread
25 upvotes
Mason Lopez
seconding this
22 upvotes
Amelia Thompson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Portland about 13 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is improving.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Portland about 13 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is improving.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
21 upvotes
orlandoguy2024
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Highland) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness 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.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Highland) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness 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.
19 upvotes
Jason C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Tampa about 11 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Tampa about 11 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
18 upvotes
Stephen L.
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
6 upvotes
Jack
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Highland. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Highland. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
4 upvotes
Paisley Sanders
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
4 upvotes
Logan Ramirez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 29, moved here 10 years ago from LA. I've lived in East and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The school system situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for families. average vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 LA, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
Background: I'm a social worker, 29, moved here 10 years ago from LA. I've lived in East and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The school system situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for families. average vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 LA, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
4 upvotes
Joshua Jimenez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
2 upvotes