Anyone else feel this way? I'm single, late 40s, and Rent is about $819/month for a decent place. Household incomes average around $57,292 in Rock Island. Homes are going for about $118,400 on average. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Appreciate any input. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to.
16 upvotes
20 Replies
Evan Stewart
Used to live on the Uptown side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
40 upvotes
Olivia Ortiz
been saying this for years
37 upvotes
Kennedy Anderson
Totally agree!
36 upvotes
Gabriella R.
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
36 upvotes
Hudson P.
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The dating scene is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
33 upvotes
raised_benjamin7
good to know, thanks
30 upvotes
Samuel Scott
I work in consulting here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is better than expected. Feel free to reach out with questions..
28 upvotes
David Robinson
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
27 upvotes
Wesley Walker
this is the way
26 upvotes
Madeline Lee
I'm a marketing manager and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
26 upvotes
Liam Howard
hard disagree but ok
25 upvotes
Declan E.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
24 upvotes
Nicholas Brown
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Westside area are decent. Kids love it here.
23 upvotes
fresnolocal2020
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is nightlife. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
22 upvotes
Lucas
wish I knew this sooner
20 upvotes
seattle_reagan
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Pine Hills. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in consulting. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
18 upvotes
Eleanor G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 57, moved here 3 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Sunset and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The school system situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Boston, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
16 upvotes
Aubrey J.
following this thread
14 upvotes
Everly
I'm a physical therapist and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
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