Been meaning to ask this. My family moved here when I was a kid. Rent is about $957/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $211,500 on average. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Am I wrong here? Any help is appreciated. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
13 upvotes
7 Replies
Elizabeth Stewart
haha yep pretty much
40 upvotes
violet_lover
Can confirm, been here 12 years.
40 upvotes
orlandoguy2022
underrated comment
27 upvotes
Bella
following this thread
14 upvotes
Hailey Castillo
I've lived in Oak Park for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- The cultural scene scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Feel free to reach out with questions..
12 upvotes
Harper Martinez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Downtown) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
9 upvotes
Kennedy Roberts
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 11 years. Moved from Raleigh for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. consulting 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 underrated - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Cedar Grove schools are solid. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Property taxes are high. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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