Anyone else feel this way? I grew up here but left for a while. Median household income is $99,375, which feels pretty solid for the area. The unemployment rate is 2.7%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $312,700 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Anna sits at 118.0 per 100K. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Worth the trade-offs? Appreciate any input. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
5 upvotes
5 Replies
Grayson
interesting, hadn't considered that
37 upvotes
Jace King
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
13 upvotes
bostonlocal2024
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Dallas about 14 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are growing, gas is improving.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Definitely worth checking out..
12 upvotes
Karen C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Phoenix about 6 years ago. The main reasons were family and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are wild, gas is improving.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Hope this helps!.
9 upvotes
Amelia Ramirez
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 4 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Oak Park schools are surprisingly 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. Property taxes are high. Can feel isolated. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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