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omaharider2020
jobs
Job hunting in South Elgin -tips?
So, Am I wrong here? The food scene here is surprisingly good.
7 upvotes
3 Replies
Zoe W.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 8 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
I've been here 8 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
8 upvotes
Kaylee
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 58, moved here 14 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Lakewood and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The walkability situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Dallas, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
Background: I'm a teacher, 58, moved here 14 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Lakewood and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The walkability situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Dallas, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
5 upvotes
Kai Cook
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely decent and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Springfield) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely decent and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Springfield) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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.
4 upvotes