I'm originally from Salt Lake City and Household incomes average around $111,297 in Berthoud. Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. Median household income is $111,297, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Thoughts? TIA! Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
11 upvotes
7 Replies
mountain_ezekiel99
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Chicago about 10 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is improving.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
39 upvotes
Valentina Collins
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 2 years. Moved from Chicago for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
engineering is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have ski resorts 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. Rising rent and home prices. Not very walkable outside downtown. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Xavier Roberts
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Southern places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
25 upvotes
Kaylee S.
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Springfield area are solid. Kids love it here.
20 upvotes
allison_mama
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
9 upvotes
Ellie Ramirez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 10 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
4 upvotes
Jordan Cooper
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.