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coastal_piper98 best-worst

What surprised you most about Rantoul?

First post here. Poverty rate is 14.3%, which is around average. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Is this normal for Rantoul? Any help is appreciated. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
12 upvotes

6 Replies

tulsaguy2023
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good airport with direct flights
- The pet-friendliness scene is hit or miss

The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited shopping options

Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
40 upvotes
Theodore Rivera
big facts right here
37 upvotes
Eva Hernandez
it depends on the neighborhood
30 upvotes
Bennett K.
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is weather. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
21 upvotes
Kayden R.
This.
19 upvotes
Camila G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a lawyer, 42, moved here 8 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Oak Park and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The safety situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 San Francisco, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.

**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
0 upvotes
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