Hey, Been living here since 2010. It's a a smaller city city with about 38,661 people. Household incomes average around $55,372 in Bell Gardens. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
13 upvotes
25 Replies
Camila C.
I'm a HR manager and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
39 upvotes
Xavier Smith
I've lived in Oak Park for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- The housing market scene is average
The downsides:
- Dating scene is rough
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Good luck with whatever you decide..
38 upvotes
Emilia Nelson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 50, moved here 14 years ago from New York. I've lived in Pine Hills and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Can feel isolated
3. The housing market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for young professionals. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 New York, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
37 upvotes
Ariana K.
couldn't agree more
35 upvotes
Joshua Hughes
I've lived in Oak Park for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Active local events and festivals
- The safety scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
28 upvotes
Ruby Anderson
Can confirm, been here 11 years.
27 upvotes
Hudson G.
I work in legal here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is tough. Feel free to reach out with questions..
24 upvotes
Kayden Nelson
Came here for school and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The school system is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
24 upvotes
Vivian B.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is decent in most areas.
21 upvotes
Maverick P.
facts
20 upvotes
Matthew Brooks
Can confirm, been here 15 years.
20 upvotes
Caroline Thompson
Can confirm, been here 15 years.
17 upvotes
Everly Ruiz
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
15 upvotes
Adrian Flores
thanks for sharing
14 upvotes
Aurora Young
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Oak Park. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in tech. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Thai.
No regrets on my end..
12 upvotes
Sara O.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 52, moved here 7 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in The Heights and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The traffic situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for remote workers. average vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Atlanta, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K 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.
11 upvotes
Everly Parker
underrated comment
9 upvotes
Nathan B.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Sunset. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in education. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
9 upvotes
Cameron Gray
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 24, moved here 14 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Lakewood and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited public transit options
3. The job market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Boston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
8 upvotes
Leonardo Alvarez
This.
7 upvotes
Aaron C.
honestly same experience here
5 upvotes
Landon Foster
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
4 upvotes
Owen L.
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The cultural scene is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
3 upvotes
Emmett Gutierrez
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
0 upvotes
Diane S.
I work in tech here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is decent. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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