Longtime lurker here, What would you do? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
28 upvotes
5 Replies
Ezra Rivera
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 2 years. Moved from Portland for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. consulting 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is solid - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited high-paying job options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Samuel Chavez
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
36 upvotes
Clara Alvarez
literally same
28 upvotes
Claire Cruz
this is the way
27 upvotes
Aaron Smith
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 4 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.