Curious what people think. I grew up here but left for a while. Average temperature is around 63--F, so the weather is moderate. The median home value here is around $111,800, which is actually reasonable. Rent is about $949/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 2.1%, which is pretty low. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What would you do? TIA! It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
4 upvotes
15 Replies
Christian Perez
I work in construction here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is pretty good. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
39 upvotes
Hunter Hughes
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in West. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
39 upvotes
Carter Morgan
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
36 upvotes
Ruby J.
Bought a house here in 2018 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
36 upvotes
Parker Edwards
I've lived in Greenfield for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The school system scene is tough
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. No regrets on my end..
31 upvotes
Gabriel B.
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
29 upvotes
indy_melanie
bump
24 upvotes
Kyle B.
exactly what I was thinking
18 upvotes
Weston Gonzalez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely challenging and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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
Eliana Hernandez
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 2 years. Moved from Boston for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. finance 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have beaches 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 challenging. 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. Property taxes are high. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, 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.
12 upvotes
David
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The public transit is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
12 upvotes
Gabriella Wilson
Totally agree!
7 upvotes
Serenity Cox
Moved here from Chicago about 3 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to community vibe but Happy to answer more specific questions..
7 upvotes
Joseph Wood
nah I disagree
3 upvotes
Luke Torres
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Riverside. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in construction. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
All Countries
