Curious what people think. I'm retired and Median household income is $67,227, which feels about average for the area. Homes are going for about $162,000 on average. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
20 upvotes
20 Replies
columbus_eleanor
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
40 upvotes
Lori C.
I'm a project manager and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
39 upvotes
Diane C.
haha yep pretty much
38 upvotes
Joseph F.
Used to live on the North side, now on the Meadowbrook side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
37 upvotes
Levi Castillo
I'm a writer and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
33 upvotes
Piper R.
I'm a sales manager and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
25 upvotes
Ezra Jimenez
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
23 upvotes
Dylan Gomez
+1
21 upvotes
Eva L.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
20 upvotes
Thomas C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 56, moved here 1 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Riverside and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The school system situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Austin, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
19 upvotes
Landon
noted, appreciate it
17 upvotes
charlottechef2021
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Uptown. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in legal. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
16 upvotes
Elizabeth E.
This.
14 upvotes
Wyatt D.
not my experience at all
10 upvotes
Josiah Garcia
I work in retail here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is challenging. Definitely worth checking out..
8 upvotes
Stella Bailey
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great sushi places. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
7 upvotes
Leonardo Diaz
facts
3 upvotes
Angel Wilson
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
1 upvotes
Leonardo Castillo
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
1 upvotes
Kayden
Moved here from Dallas about 2 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to weather but Feel free to reach out with questions..
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