Hey everyone, Median household income is $99,028, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's a a small town city with about 14,232 people. Poverty rate is 7.8%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Warrenville sits at 75.4 per 100K. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Let me know your thoughts. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
11 upvotes
14 Replies
Olivia Stewart
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
38 upvotes
Violet Ward
good to know, thanks
34 upvotes
Aubrey
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from LA about 5 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Hope this helps!.
22 upvotes
Jacob Taylor
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in South area are excellent. Kids love it here.
21 upvotes
Connor Ward
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 24, moved here 14 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in South and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The community vibe situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for couples. average vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
16 upvotes
James Adams
Moved here from San Francisco about 14 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to nightlife but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
14 upvotes
Luke L.
I'm a HR manager and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
12 upvotes
Ellie S.
I work in retail here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is decent. Definitely worth checking out..
12 upvotes
stlrider2021
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
10 upvotes
Nathan
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
9 upvotes
Adam C.
same here
7 upvotes
Lucy W.
100%
3 upvotes
Kai L.
Came here for school and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The traffic is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
3 upvotes
Reagan Phillips
Moved here from Atlanta about 11 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to dating scene but Happy to answer more specific questions..