Sign In Register
Nolan Carter best-worst

Worst things about St. Francis nobody talks about

My partner and I are You can expect to pay around $1,183 for rent here. Median household income is $101,875, which feels pretty solid for the area. Rent is about $1,183/month for a decent place. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services.

Pros:
- Affordable cost of living
- Great weather
- Good job market
- Active local events

Cons:
- Limited public transit
- Boring for young people
- Mosquitoes and humidity
- Homelessness issues downtown
What would you do? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
15 upvotes

2 Replies

Grayson Taylor
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.

I've been here 2 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.

That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is solid.

Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.

Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
35 upvotes
Easton Wilson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Westside for 14 years. Moved from Minneapolis for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.

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

**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. Westside 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. Dating scene is rough. And nightlife can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
← Back to St. Francis Community