So, I'm a college student here and Crime rate is something to consider -Sharon sits at 613.2 per 100K. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. Let me know your thoughts. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
0 upvotes
13 Replies
Jayden Adams
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
39 upvotes
Cora Kim
Used to live on the The Heights side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
38 upvotes
Santiago Turner
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 28, moved here 15 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Greenfield and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The public transit situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Miami, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K 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.
36 upvotes
Aubrey Perez
100%
34 upvotes
Sophia Hughes
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Houston about 10 years ago. The main reasons were school and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are stable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Hope this helps!.
31 upvotes
Zoey Castillo
spot on
25 upvotes
Serenity Morris
Moved here from LA about 3 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to nightlife but Hope this helps!.
21 upvotes
Russell K.
wish I knew this sooner
21 upvotes
Oliver Mitchell
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 11 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
15 upvotes
Parker Cooper
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
15 upvotes
Jameson Thompson
Bought a house here in 2016 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
9 upvotes
Isla Ruiz
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The weather is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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