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Audrey
qa
Weekend activities in Brookhaven?
OK so Rent is about $736/month for a decent place. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Should I be concerned?
13 upvotes
5 Replies
Addison Clark
nah I disagree
32 upvotes
milwaukeewalker2021
haha yep pretty much
30 upvotes
Melanie A.
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
30 upvotes
Adeline Hill
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely average and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (North) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely average and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (North) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
26 upvotes
Robert Evans
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 8 years. Moved from Charlotte for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. education 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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 excellent. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Dating scene is rough. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Oak Park for 8 years. Moved from Charlotte for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. education 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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 excellent. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Dating scene is rough. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes