Not sure if this has been asked before, but The unemployment rate is 1.2%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $218,300 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Canyon sits at 85.8 per 100K. Poverty rate is 9.4%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $218,300, which is actually reasonable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
9 upvotes
14 Replies
Silas Ross
I've lived in East for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The safety scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
39 upvotes
Thomas Jackson
nah I disagree
37 upvotes
Genesis Anderson
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
29 upvotes
Adam Perez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Cedar Grove. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in government. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
26 upvotes
Cameron H.
underrated comment
25 upvotes
Ariana Diaz
I've lived in Oak Park for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- The cultural scene scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
21 upvotes
Eliana Smith
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to LA it's excellent.
20 upvotes
Sophia M.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
17 upvotes
Allison Phillips
yep
17 upvotes
Robert Alvarez
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
16 upvotes
Cora Murphy
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
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