Anyone else feel this way? I'm a college student here and With a population of 13,988, Beach Park is a small town. Rent is about $1,235/month for a decent place. Poverty rate is 7.8%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $83,069, which feels pretty solid for the area. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Should I be concerned? Thanks for reading. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
14 upvotes
9 Replies
Ezra Long
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 11 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
33 upvotes
christian_soul
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
33 upvotes
Helen H.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Nashville about 5 years ago. The main reasons were work and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Hope this helps!.
30 upvotes
Mackenzie Peterson
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The cultural scene is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
30 upvotes
Camila Peterson
I'm a contractor and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
30 upvotes
Charlotte M.
nah I disagree
16 upvotes
Aubrey P.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Austin about 11 years ago. The main reasons were school and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are established, gas is improving.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Hope this helps!.
12 upvotes
Margaret A.
bump
8 upvotes
Mason Morales
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely underrated and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Sunset) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.