Crime rate is something to consider -Waterford sits at 259.2 per 100K. Homes are going for about $166,700 on average. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
10 upvotes
3 Replies
Nova Brooks
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The cultural scene is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
37 upvotes
Joseph Hughes
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 7 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
30 upvotes
Alice Reed
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Riverside. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in education. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.