What I wish I knew before living in Round Lake Heights
Hey, What would you do? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
13 upvotes
11 Replies
Declan Adams
I've lived in Eastside for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The traffic scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
39 upvotes
Grace Long
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 10 years. Moved from LA for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is decent - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are better than expected. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not very walkable outside downtown. Chain restaurants dominate. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Maverick Johnson
preach
16 upvotes
David Nguyen
noted, appreciate it
14 upvotes
vegaspapa2020
exactly what I was thinking
11 upvotes
Austin R.
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
11 upvotes
Wesley K.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 3 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
10 upvotes
Carolyn M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 33, moved here 10 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The nightlife situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for families. excellent 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 Portland, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
7 upvotes
Leah Evans
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. No regrets on my end..
4 upvotes
Caleb Clark
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the South side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
3 upvotes
kennedy_rider
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely excellent and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Limited shopping options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
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