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Matthew M.
housing
Studio apartments in Apple Valley -options?
First post here. Anyone in a similar situation? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
4 upvotes
15 Replies
Eli Garcia
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The school system is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
39 upvotes
Eliana Roberts
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
39 upvotes
Dylan C.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Pittsburgh it's solid.
38 upvotes
Grace Ruiz
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 5 years. Moved from Denver for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is average - 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 better than expected. 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 public transit options. Rising rent and home prices. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Oak Park for 5 years. Moved from Denver for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is average - 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 better than expected. 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 public transit options. Rising rent and home prices. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Valentina Moore
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 12 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. real estate 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Highland schools are hit or miss. 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. Can feel isolated. Far from beaches/mountains. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Highland for 12 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. real estate 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Highland schools are hit or miss. 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. Can feel isolated. Far from beaches/mountains. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Landon Thompson
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
32 upvotes
Levi
nah I disagree
29 upvotes
Bennett
literally same
22 upvotes
Frances R.
it depends on the neighborhood
20 upvotes
Ryan Campbell
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
17 upvotes
Naomi R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Tampa about 13 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is challenging.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Tampa about 13 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is challenging.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
16 upvotes
William Hill
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 14 years. Moved from San Francisco for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is decent - we have biking 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 excellent. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Oak Park for 14 years. Moved from San Francisco for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is decent - we have biking 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 excellent. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Gabriella Perez
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
7 upvotes
Natalie W.
noted, appreciate it
4 upvotes
Jaxon Flores
spot on
1 upvotes