So, It's a a smaller city city with about 65,389 people. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What are your go-to spots?
28 upvotes
13 Replies
Kaylee Davis
Moved here from Miami about 8 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but Happy to answer more specific questions..
40 upvotes
Amy P.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
36 upvotes
true_clara64
preach
32 upvotes
miamilocal2020
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
32 upvotes
Chloe Alvarez
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great sushi places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
31 upvotes
Justin F.
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 15 years. Moved from Tampa for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is average - we have desert landscapes 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. Rising rent and home prices. Urban sprawl is real. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Scarlett
I've lived in East for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Affordable housing options
- The healthcare scene is average
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
17 upvotes
Andrea R.
wish I knew this sooner
16 upvotes
Ezekiel Rivera
Moved here from Portland about 13 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to school system but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
16 upvotes
Elena G.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
14 upvotes
Victoria P.
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. safety used to be much stable but now it's improving.
14 upvotes
Evan Jackson
honestly same experience here
13 upvotes
Paisley Lewis
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 13 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2018 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. marketing 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is solid - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are solid. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Bugs and humidity in summer. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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