First post here. I work in automotive and You can expect to pay around $946 for rent here. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Any help is appreciated. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
26 upvotes
30 Replies
Victoria Torres
I've lived in Downtown for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights
- The cost of living scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Hope this helps!.
40 upvotes
chicagoguy2020
100%
39 upvotes
Austin Young
big facts right here
38 upvotes
Willie C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely excellent and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (South) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
35 upvotes
Anna S.
interesting, hadn't considered that
34 upvotes
Joseph Torres
lol so true
34 upvotes
Natalie Campbell
hmm interesting perspective
34 upvotes
Elizabeth S.
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
33 upvotes
Asher Hughes
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
33 upvotes
Hunter Brown
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is school system. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
32 upvotes
Aaliyah James
I've lived in Lakewood for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Lots of new development happening
- The walkability scene is decent
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Good luck with whatever you decide..
32 upvotes
Henry Lopez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Portland it's average.
26 upvotes
austin_hudson
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great Southern places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
25 upvotes
Robert
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The healthcare is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
25 upvotes
Levi Watson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
22 upvotes
tucsonfan2021
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 41, moved here 10 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Oak Park and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited public transit options
3. The dating scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Nashville, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K 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.
20 upvotes
Declan M.
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much stable but now it's underrated.
16 upvotes
Oliver Rodriguez
Bought a house here in 2016 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
15 upvotes
Nevaeh Anderson
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Old Town side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
15 upvotes
Lucy K.
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 2 years. Moved from Minneapolis for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2019 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. legal 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'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. Oak Park schools are challenging. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Far from beaches/mountains. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Victoria Baker
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
15 upvotes
Christian
facts
11 upvotes
Grayson C.
Used to live on the East side, now on the Greenfield side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
10 upvotes
Isaiah P.
not my experience at all
9 upvotes
Lillian
I'm a lawyer and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
8 upvotes
Roy N.
hard disagree but ok
7 upvotes
Clara White
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
7 upvotes
Santiago C.
glad someone said it
6 upvotes
Isabella Rogers
haha yep pretty much
5 upvotes
Cooper Jones
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great craft beer places. it exceeded my expectations.
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