So, My partner and I are Median household income is $73,026, which feels about average for the area. It's a a small town city with about 5,299 people. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. What do you all think? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
4 upvotes
9 Replies
Zoey Phillips
+1
38 upvotes
Aaron Reyes
good to know, thanks
35 upvotes
Alice M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 35, moved here 13 years ago from LA. I've lived in Riverside and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Can feel isolated
3. The job market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 LA, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K 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.
34 upvotes
Eleanor Campbell
lol so true
28 upvotes
Sandra J.
thanks for sharing
26 upvotes
Cooper
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 28, moved here 13 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Midtown and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The safety situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for families. solid vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Denver, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
26 upvotes
Victoria Moore
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 San Diego for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2022 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is average - 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. 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. Nightlife is limited. Urban sprawl is real. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Chloe
I'm a project manager and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
16 upvotes
Bradley H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 40, moved here 3 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Maple Ridge and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The weather situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 San Francisco, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
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