Homes are going for about $346,400 on average. Rent is about $1,256/month for a decent place. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Should I be concerned? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
3 upvotes
10 Replies
Jonathan J.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 3 years. Moved from San Diego 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 up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North 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. Winters are long and cold. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Rebecca S.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
34 upvotes
Allison Garcia
accurate
24 upvotes
Camila King
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely solid and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Uptown) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
23 upvotes
Elijah Cruz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 10 years. Moved from New York for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
manufacturing is strong here. government 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 have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are improving. 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. Winters are long and cold. Nightlife is limited. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Declan Morgan
bump
22 upvotes
Skylar Williams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 42, moved here 10 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Cedar Grove and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Can feel isolated
3. The weather situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for singles. hit or miss 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 San Francisco, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
19 upvotes
Daniel Jackson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 13 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into running, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
14 upvotes
Isaiah Sanchez
wish I knew this sooner
7 upvotes
Delilah Harris
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 7 years. Moved from Seattle for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. finance 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 genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have biking 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 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. Nightlife is limited. Road conditions need improvement. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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