Random thought, I'm a remote worker and It's a a smaller city city with about 37,544 people. Average temperature is around 49--F, so expect cold winters. Homes are going for about $225,200 on average. Median household income is $86,327, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Am I wrong here? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
16 upvotes
4 Replies
Greyson King
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
38 upvotes
Bennett Thomas
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely solid and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability 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.
27 upvotes
Chloe Jones
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
26 upvotes
Aurora R.
I've lived in Oak Park for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The community vibe scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Definitely worth checking out..
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