Longtime lurker here, My partner and I are Average temperature is around 65--F, so the weather is moderate. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. What do you all think? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
11 upvotes
4 Replies
Henry Jones
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely improving and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit 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.
38 upvotes
Avery Chavez
nah I disagree
35 upvotes
Lucy M.
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 5 years. Moved from Portland for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2015 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is average - 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 better than expected. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Far from beaches/mountains. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Steven J.
Bought a house here in 2015 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
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