I'm single, late 50s, and The median home value here is around $384,800, which seems about average. With a population of 26,772, Vernon Hills is a smaller city. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Any advice would be great. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
19 upvotes
1 Replies
Alexander B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 41, moved here 3 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Westside and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Property taxes are high
3. The cultural scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
All Countries
