Alright, I grew up here but left for a while. With a population of 39,055, Streamwood is a smaller city. Crime rate is something to consider -Streamwood sits at 151.8 per 100K. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Should I be concerned? Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up.
15 upvotes
15 Replies
Matthew Diaz
I've lived in Old Town for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- The weather scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
39 upvotes
Angel L.
Used to live on the South side, now on the Uptown side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
39 upvotes
Eva Morris
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Westside) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
34 upvotes
Miles F.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 2 years. Moved from Minneapolis for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
marketing is strong here. manufacturing 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are pretty good. 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 safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Zoey Rivera
Used to live on the East side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
33 upvotes
Claire M.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want healthcare, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
29 upvotes
Chloe T.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is underrated in most areas.
28 upvotes
Zoe Green
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
26 upvotes
Silas Sanders
I'm a teacher and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
23 upvotes
Christian W.
been saying this for years
18 upvotes
Abigail Anderson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Raleigh about 8 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is challenging.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
18 upvotes
Julian Smith
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
12 upvotes
Ariana Turner
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The nightlife is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
10 upvotes
Lauren R.
this is the way
8 upvotes
Luca Robinson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 41, moved here 1 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Riverside and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Close to major attractions
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The school system situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Chicago, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
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