Hello, I grew up here but left for a while. The unemployment rate is 5.5%, which is about average. Crime rate is something to consider -Atoka sits at 126.2 per 100K. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
14 upvotes
13 Replies
Nolan R.
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The public transit is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
31 upvotes
Evan Perez
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
30 upvotes
Mia
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in West. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
27 upvotes
Cora Young
facts
26 upvotes
Roman Hall
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 1 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
Vivian T.
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The job market is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
21 upvotes
Aria Y.
This.
14 upvotes
Naomi Garcia
seconding this
12 upvotes
Paisley M.
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
11 upvotes
savannah_walker
bump
9 upvotes
Paisley Myers
same here
6 upvotes
Parker Young
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 5 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
3 upvotes
Eli C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 13 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.