I relocated for work and With a population of 30,215, Austintown is a smaller city. Crime rate is something to consider -Austintown sits at 175.0 per 100K. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Let me know your thoughts. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
6 upvotes
15 Replies
William Gray
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is traffic. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
38 upvotes
William Adams
bump
21 upvotes
Jace A.
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great Indian places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
17 upvotes
Lily Ortiz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 12 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
16 upvotes
Aurora G.
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 3 years. Moved from Phoenix for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2022 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. education 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Homeless population growing downtown. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Clara S.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Seattle about 8 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are growing, gas is improving.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Good luck with whatever you decide..
10 upvotes
Addison C.
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Eastside area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
8 upvotes
Austin Davis
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 7 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
5 upvotes
Evan Robinson
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
5 upvotes
Jackson Morgan
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 5 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
4 upvotes
Janice N.
100%
3 upvotes
Hudson Campbell
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 3 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
3 upvotes
Nevaeh R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 56, moved here 6 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in East and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The healthcare situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Charlotte, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
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