Curious what people think. Crime rate is something to consider -Allen Park sits at 178.1 per 100K. The city has invested a lot in new development.
13 upvotes
10 Replies
Avery
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 46, moved here 14 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in South and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cultural scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for families. improving 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 Dallas, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
34 upvotes
Samuel P.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
31 upvotes
Rebecca W.
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
27 upvotes
Gabriel Baker
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The safety is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
24 upvotes
Dylan Hill
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The nightlife is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
23 upvotes
Christian Morales
as a local I can confirm
23 upvotes
Samuel N.
Bought a house here in 2021 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
13 upvotes
Nathan Cox
I've lived in Oak Park for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Close to major attractions
- The housing market scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Feel free to reach out with questions..
12 upvotes
Natalie Thomas
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Maple Ridge area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
9 upvotes
Mason
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.