Hey everyone, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and You can expect to pay around $2,359 for rent here. Crime rate is something to consider -Babylon sits at 119.0 per 100K. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What are your go-to spots? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
13 upvotes
10 Replies
Parker Torres
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely average and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (South) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
40 upvotes
Henry Hernandez
I've lived in Oak Park for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- The public transit scene is tough
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
38 upvotes
Jameson Gomez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 7 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into running, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
30 upvotes
Claire Diaz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 11 years. Moved from LA for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are average. 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 community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Aurora Lewis
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
23 upvotes
Kaylee
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from San Francisco about 8 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are growing, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Happy to answer more specific questions..
22 upvotes
Brenda H.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Meadowbrook. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
21 upvotes
Jameson Bailey
exactly what I was thinking
10 upvotes
John Reed
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 12 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 Tampa, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The walkability scene is improving
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
5 upvotes
Andrew Gray
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 13 years. Moved from Austin for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. 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 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook schools are average. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Road conditions need improvement. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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