I'm a nurse at the local hospital and The unemployment rate is 4.4%, which is about average. The median home value here is around $55,200, which is actually reasonable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. Am I overthinking this? Looking forward to hearing from you all. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
13 upvotes
10 Replies
Jacob Thomas
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 13 years. Moved from Denver for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. Highland schools are challenging. 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. Nightlife is limited. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Michael Ortiz
exactly what I was thinking
26 upvotes
Ruby G.
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The nightlife is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
19 upvotes
Joseph Ruiz
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in East. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in tech. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
15 upvotes
Hudson S.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want dating scene, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
7 upvotes
Zoe Martin
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Miami about 6 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is decent.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
6 upvotes
Adeline Baker
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The pet-friendliness is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
3 upvotes
Audrey Price
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 9 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
0 upvotes
Asher
nah I disagree
0 upvotes
Cora Morris
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 Atlanta for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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 average. 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. Nightlife is limited. Property taxes are high. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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