Alright, Military spouse here. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
9 upvotes
13 Replies
john_local
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 5 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
39 upvotes
Jackson R.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely decent and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Old Town) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market 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.
37 upvotes
Nova C.
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The public transit is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
33 upvotes
loving_kinsley32
Moved here last year, no regrets.
30 upvotes
Avery Diaz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 13 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
27 upvotes
Mason Sanders
not my experience at all
24 upvotes
Daniel Davis
thanks for sharing
21 upvotes
Michael Hernandez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 51, moved here 3 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Old Town and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The public transit situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K 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.
18 upvotes
Hailey Thomas
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 9 years. Moved from Charlotte for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are solid. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Can feel isolated. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Caleb Scott
I'm a accountant and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
13 upvotes
chicagoguy2020
Totally agree!
8 upvotes
Ryan Cook
I've lived in Oak Park for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Close to major attractions
- The dating scene scene is improving
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Definitely worth checking out..
6 upvotes
Jeremiah Ramirez
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.