Curious what people think. I'm single, late 20s, and Homes are going for about $259,300 on average. You can expect to pay around $1,272 for rent here. Average temperature is around 50--F, so expect cold winters. The unemployment rate is 2.9%, which is pretty low. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. Does this match your experience? Looking forward to hearing from you all.
16 upvotes
7 Replies
Daniel
glad someone said it
40 upvotes
Gabriel A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 53, moved here 3 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in The Heights and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Can feel isolated
3. The food scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
39 upvotes
Hunter Jimenez
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 9 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. finance 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have hiking trails 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 better than expected. 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. Can feel isolated. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Addison Howard
bump
32 upvotes
Noah E.
I'm a writer and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
26 upvotes
Nathan Campbell
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Lakewood. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in consulting. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
24 upvotes
Brooklyn Torres
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Denver about 3 years ago. The main reasons were work and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Hope this helps!.
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