Hey everyone, We have two kids and Household incomes average around $51,099 in Bicknell. Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. With a population of 2,879, Bicknell is a small town. You can expect to pay around $809 for rent here. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Am I overthinking this? Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
9 upvotes
13 Replies
Joshua M.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
35 upvotes
Emma J.
Bought a house here in 2015 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
31 upvotes
charlotte_evan
I've lived in Oak Park for about 15 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 Houston, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- The housing market scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Hope this helps!.
30 upvotes
Isaiah P.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in North. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
19 upvotes
Isabella Young
honestly same experience here
18 upvotes
Carson E.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
17 upvotes
Ava M.
I work in tech here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is decent. No regrets on my end..
15 upvotes
Emmett Torres
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in The Heights area are solid. Kids love it here.
12 upvotes
Parker Carter
lol so true
12 upvotes
Dorothy W.
I work in education here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Definitely worth checking out..
10 upvotes
William Foster
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Oak Park area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
5 upvotes
nycwalker2024
Came here for family and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The cultural scene is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
2 upvotes
Brooks Moore
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Dallas about 15 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is average.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
All Countries
