Not sure if this has been asked before, but You can expect to pay around $1,142 for rent here. Crime rate is something to consider -Valparaiso sits at 108.1 per 100K. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. What would you do?
6 upvotes
24 Replies
Nora J.
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
39 upvotes
Eleanor Kim
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good airport with direct flights
- The pet-friendliness scene is decent
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
38 upvotes
Victoria Cruz
I've lived in Riverside for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good internet infrastructure
- The walkability scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited public transit options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Feel free to reach out with questions..
38 upvotes
Waylon Turner
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
37 upvotes
Jaxon Baker
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
36 upvotes
Eugene M.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is solid in most areas.
36 upvotes
Elizabeth K.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 5 years. Moved from San Diego for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2019 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is average - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are challenging. 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. Limited public transit options. Road conditions need improvement. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Abigail Williams
I've lived in Oak Park for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of new development happening
- The community vibe scene is average
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
31 upvotes
jaxon_fan
accurate
27 upvotes
Elizabeth Richardson
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
26 upvotes
Vivian Jones
big facts right here
25 upvotes
Harper Wood
interesting, hadn't considered that
24 upvotes
Barbara G.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is weather. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
24 upvotes
Brielle H.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Chicago it's underrated.
21 upvotes
Jayden Hughes
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
21 upvotes
Mackenzie F.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 57, moved here 6 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Old Town and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The healthcare situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Phoenix, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K 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.
21 upvotes
sacramento_weston
underrated comment
18 upvotes
Nancy K.
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The safety is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
12 upvotes
Santiago Ward
Bought a house here in 2021 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
10 upvotes
Ruby Harris
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Miami about 4 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are developing, gas is decent.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
8 upvotes
Grace M.
haha yep pretty much
7 upvotes
Waylon G.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 4 years. Moved from LA for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are improving. 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. Dating scene is rough. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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