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Hannah Bailey
jobs
Anyone work in healthcare in West Hartford?
Curious what people think. Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. What would you do?
25 upvotes
26 Replies
Bella
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
40 upvotes
Eleanor Murphy
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Oak Park for 12 years. Moved from Dallas for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is improving - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Oak Park schools are average. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Far from beaches/mountains. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Oak Park for 12 years. Moved from Dallas for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is improving - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Oak Park schools are average. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Far from beaches/mountains. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
sd_michael
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 2 years. Moved from San Diego for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are underrated. 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 public transit options. Nightlife is limited. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Highland for 2 years. Moved from San Diego for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are underrated. 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 public transit options. Nightlife is limited. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Sara O.
yep
31 upvotes
Adam S.
this is the way
30 upvotes
Eva Wilson
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 4 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to public transit but Happy to answer more specific questions..
28 upvotes
Mateo J.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Miami it's excellent.
28 upvotes
Elena Sanchez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I genuinely enjoy living here. Compared to New York it's improving.
28 upvotes
Angel Foster
facts
26 upvotes
Jeremiah Williams
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Boston about 12 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Boston about 12 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
25 upvotes
Eva Lopez
Can confirm, been here 4 years.
25 upvotes
indy_andrew
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
25 upvotes
Emily R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 32, moved here 1 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The community vibe situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Houston, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 32, moved here 1 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The community vibe situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Houston, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
22 upvotes
Peyton Mitchell
yep
19 upvotes
Debra L.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Pine Hills. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in retail. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
No regrets on my end..
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Pine Hills. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in retail. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
No regrets on my end..
19 upvotes
Nicholas Gomez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Baltimore about 15 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is solid.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Feel free to reach out with questions..
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Baltimore about 15 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is solid.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Feel free to reach out with questions..
16 upvotes
Leonardo
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 15 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
I've been here 15 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
16 upvotes
mesamind2022
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Hope this helps!.
15 upvotes
ruby_girl
I'm a accountant and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
15 upvotes
Ian Harris
I'm a project manager and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
11 upvotes
Declan Walker
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great farm-to-table places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
10 upvotes
Charlotte Roberts
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
8 upvotes
Stella Howard
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The job market is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
7 upvotes
Luna Williams
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
6 upvotes
Nicholas R.
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
1 upvotes
Violet Mendoza
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I genuinely enjoy living here. Compared to Tampa it's solid.
1 upvotes