So, Crime rate is something to consider -River Forest sits at 110.4 per 100K. Poverty rate is 0.6%, which is pretty low. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Am I wrong here?
1 upvotes
13 Replies
Mia Turner
I'm a real estate agent and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
39 upvotes
charlottepapa2023
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
37 upvotes
Santiago N.
bump
33 upvotes
Vivian Ramirez
I'm a contractor and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
32 upvotes
Jayden W.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 2 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
30 upvotes
James Evans
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Lakewood. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
30 upvotes
Everett Allen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 39, moved here 15 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Riverside and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The job market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K 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.
24 upvotes
Mason Rogers
yep
24 upvotes
Jace Anderson
as a local I can confirm
19 upvotes
cool_emily18
Moved here from Houston about 4 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to healthcare but No regrets on my end..
16 upvotes
Cora
I've lived in North for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The outdoor recreation scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
13 upvotes
Quinn Johnson
accurate
12 upvotes
Betty R.
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
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