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Vivian Price living

Anyone else love living in South Elgin?

First post here. The unemployment rate is 2.0%, which is pretty low. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to.
5 upvotes

10 Replies

Avery
I've lived in The Heights for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
- The traffic scene is decent

The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited shopping options

Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. No regrets on my end..
36 upvotes
Kayden Scott
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
35 upvotes
Maya
accurate
33 upvotes
Emily C.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want weather, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
31 upvotes
Hudson N.
Moved here from LA about 14 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to healthcare but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
28 upvotes
Anna Castillo
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want healthcare, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
7 upvotes
Nolan Turner
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Fairview for 8 years. Moved from Nashville for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.

**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are solid. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Not very walkable outside downtown. And school system can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Santiago Parker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a lawyer, 53, moved here 15 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Sunset and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The food scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K 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.
6 upvotes
Nolan Thomas
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
4 upvotes
Madelyn Harris
Bought a house here in 2017 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
4 upvotes
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