I relocated for work and Crime rate is something to consider -Burke Centre sits at 73.9 per 100K. Household incomes average around $159,932 in Burke Centre. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Anyone in a similar situation? Looking forward to hearing from you all. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
7 upvotes
10 Replies
Isaiah Lewis
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is decent in most areas.
29 upvotes
Donald A.
I've lived in Oak Park for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The weather scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Definitely worth checking out..
24 upvotes
Hudson Ross
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 9 years. Moved from San Francisco for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. Meadowbrook schools are underrated. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
alexander_vibes
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 7 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
21 upvotes
tulsalover2020
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely tough and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
18 upvotes
Greyson Collins
spot on
16 upvotes
Adeline Lewis
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
9 upvotes
Anna Brooks
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The cultural scene is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
8 upvotes
Isla Richardson
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
4 upvotes
Daniel L.
Used to live on the Sunset side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
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