OK so I'm a teacher here and You can expect to pay around $3,066 for rent here. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Any advice would be great. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
12 upvotes
10 Replies
Aaliyah Sanchez
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Oak Park area are underrated. Kids love it here.
40 upvotes
Everett
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 12 years. Moved from Chicago for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2022 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. retail 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'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is average - 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 better than expected. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Reagan C.
yeah no that's not right
35 upvotes
Victoria Nguyen
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 14 years. Moved from Denver for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is average - we have desert landscapes 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 pretty 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. Road conditions need improvement. Can feel isolated. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
tucson_easton
Can confirm, been here 7 years.
19 upvotes
Gabriella Hernandez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Austin about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are established, gas is solid.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Feel free to reach out with questions..
18 upvotes
Ezra C.
as a local I can confirm
15 upvotes
Eli Brooks
following this thread
12 upvotes
Zoe Sanders
same here
4 upvotes
indygirl2023
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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