Alright, My family moved here when I was a kid. It's a a smaller city city with about 25,434 people. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Is this normal for West Chicago? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up.
1 upvotes
15 Replies
James K.
Moved here from San Francisco about 5 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to nightlife but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
38 upvotes
Kinsley W.
Bought a house here in 2023 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
37 upvotes
Julia Lee
following this thread
37 upvotes
Rylee Lopez
I've lived in Old Town for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Diverse dining options
- The food scene scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
houston_eva
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 5 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
35 upvotes
Quinn K.
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
29 upvotes
jax_christian
+1
29 upvotes
Eleanor Hernandez
it depends on the neighborhood
26 upvotes
Mason Phillips
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is job market. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
19 upvotes
Piper Adams
great question, following
12 upvotes
Brooklyn Robinson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 4 years. Moved from Nashville for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is tough - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are surprisingly good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited high-paying job options. Chain restaurants dominate. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
local_levi50
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 56, moved here 7 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The job market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 San Francisco, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
11 upvotes
Arianna Scott
Moved here from Miami about 11 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to school system but Good luck with whatever you decide..
6 upvotes
Ava Hall
Used to live on the South side, now on the The Heights side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
6 upvotes
Claire Bailey
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 10 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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