First post here. I'm a 55-year-old lawyer and Median household income is $120,625, which feels pretty solid for the area. Crime rate is something to consider -Vernon Hills sits at 67.1 per 100K. Poverty rate is 3.6%, which is pretty low. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What do you all think? The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
21 upvotes
6 Replies
Sebastian
bump
35 upvotes
Stella Thompson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Nashville about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are established, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Feel free to reach out with questions..
32 upvotes
brielle_life
Totally agree!
24 upvotes
Sophia Hughes
hmm interesting perspective
24 upvotes
Kayden Brooks
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 28, moved here 5 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Riverside and Sunset, 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 healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Raleigh, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
16 upvotes
Emily Hall
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Definitely worth checking out..
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