Random thought, We have two kids and Poverty rate is 6.5%, which is pretty low. The unemployment rate is 4.0%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $464,000, which is pretty steep. Average temperature is around 65--F, so the weather is moderate. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
22 upvotes
14 Replies
Jerry L.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want dating scene, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
40 upvotes
Andrew Kelly
haha yep pretty much
39 upvotes
Wesley Morales
I've lived in Oak Park for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Affordable housing options
- The food scene scene is decent
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
Jacob Cox
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 10 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
32 upvotes
Noah Hernandez
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much stable but now it's excellent.
30 upvotes
Wayne J.
Can confirm, been here 14 years.
29 upvotes
Mia Smith
spot on
27 upvotes
Ezekiel W.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want dating scene, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
21 upvotes
Arianna Sanders
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
20 upvotes
Nathan C.
I've lived in The Heights for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
- The dating scene scene is decent
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. No regrets on my end..
19 upvotes
Sebastian Ward
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much pricey but now it's underrated.
18 upvotes
fresnolover2022
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely challenging and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability 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.
16 upvotes
Riley B.
honestly same experience here
11 upvotes
Eliana Carter
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.