OK so I work in insurance and Rent is about $2,805/month for a decent place. Poverty rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Any advice would be great. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development.
12 upvotes
7 Replies
Leo T.
literally same
40 upvotes
Isaiah Parker
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The cost of living is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
39 upvotes
Samuel Moore
I've lived in Oak Park for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The housing market scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. No regrets on my end..
34 upvotes
Clara P.
preach
29 upvotes
Anna
facts
11 upvotes
Rylee Wright
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely average and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Eastside) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
8 upvotes
stl_angel
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
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