Not sure if this has been asked before, but Been living here since 2012. It's a a small town city with about 3,075 people. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Should I be concerned? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
9 upvotes
8 Replies
Eleanor
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 10 years. Moved from New York for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is average - we have hiking trails 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 underrated. 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. Dating scene is rough. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Dylan Brooks
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
39 upvotes
mountain_david50
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Four distinct seasons
- The dating scene scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
36 upvotes
Jameson Patel
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor recreation is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
26 upvotes
Aubrey Phillips
Used to live on the Midtown side, now on the West side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
23 upvotes
Isabella Hughes
This.
21 upvotes
sd_naomi
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much pricey but now it's improving.
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