Curious what people think. Median household income is $126,469, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's a a mid-size city city with about 118K people. Household incomes average around $126,469 in Cambridge. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
42 upvotes
2 Replies
Anna Anderson
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 10 years. Moved from Nashville for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. 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:**
legal is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have national forests 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 tough. 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 very walkable outside downtown. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Piper
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..