Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm retired and Homes are going for about $334,800 on average. Household incomes average around $88,440 in Roseville. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Has anyone dealt with this? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
23 upvotes
12 Replies
stlrider2021
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
40 upvotes
Kaylee M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 36, moved here 5 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Highland and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The nightlife situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for young professionals. tough 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 Raleigh, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$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.
38 upvotes
Ella Cruz
bump
36 upvotes
Maya Thomas
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 15 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
35 upvotes
Wyatt Kelly
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to LA it's excellent.
24 upvotes
Ruby Peterson
Can confirm, been here 3 years.
23 upvotes
Kayden P.
good to know, thanks
20 upvotes
Sophia M.
lol so true
19 upvotes
Maya R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 58, moved here 14 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Lakewood and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Can feel isolated
3. The traffic situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Houston, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K 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.
18 upvotes
Samuel F.
I've lived in Oak Park for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good internet infrastructure
- The outdoor recreation scene is pretty good
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
16 upvotes
columbus_hazel
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 44, moved here 9 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Riverside and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The community vibe situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for couples. excellent 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 Austin, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K 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.