Anyone else feel this way? Crime rate is something to consider -Whitehall sits at 596.2 per 100K. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
2 upvotes
15 Replies
Bennett Flores
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 10 years. Moved from Boston for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is decent - we have state parks 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 improving. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Limited entertainment options. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Aiden Turner
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
36 upvotes
Reagan C.
couldn't agree more
36 upvotes
Nathan Ramirez
thanks for sharing
29 upvotes
Carson Kim
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
28 upvotes
Willow
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Houston about 5 years ago. The main reasons were school and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited entertainment options
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 developing, gas is improving.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Happy to answer more specific questions..
26 upvotes
Sebastian Peterson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in East. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in consulting. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
24 upvotes
Owen C.
Used to live on the Riverside side, now on the The Heights side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
23 upvotes
mesa_sophia
as a local I can confirm
19 upvotes
David R.
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the Old Town side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
13 upvotes
Dylan Anderson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 58, moved here 2 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Fairview and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The outdoor recreation situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for families. solid vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Miami, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
12 upvotes
Sadie Long
Moved here from Chicago about 2 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to weather but No regrets on my end..
11 upvotes
Austin Young
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The walkability is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
9 upvotes
Aria C.
+1
5 upvotes
portlandchef2021
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 4 years. Moved from Boston for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. Westside schools are hit or miss. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Chain restaurants dominate. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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