Been meaning to ask this. You can expect to pay around $1,163 for rent here. Homes are going for about $177,600 on average. The unemployment rate is 3.6%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $70,578 in Waukegan. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Would love some local perspective. Any help is appreciated. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
25 upvotes
7 Replies
Jace Y.
I'm a data analyst and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
33 upvotes
Jonathan Nelson
yep
32 upvotes
Judith L.
underrated comment
32 upvotes
Xavier Hernandez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 50, moved here 9 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Riverside and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally pretty good - 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 cost of living situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 reasonable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K 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.
31 upvotes
Ezra Evans
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Riverside area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
27 upvotes
Alexander Bennett
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is underrated in most areas.
26 upvotes
Grayson Ramos
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 5 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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