Hi all, Born and raised here. Median household income is $101,111, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Am I overthinking this? I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
15 upvotes
6 Replies
Martha F.
I've lived in Oak Park for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Four distinct seasons
- The outdoor recreation scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
Silas Johnson
I've lived in The Heights for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- The healthcare scene is average
The downsides:
- Bugs and humidity in summer
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
35 upvotes
Bruce G.
hmm interesting perspective
32 upvotes
quinn_life
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 13 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
26 upvotes
Julia Stewart
as a local I can confirm
15 upvotes
Harper
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Baltimore about 15 years ago. The main reasons were school and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are reasonable, gas is solid.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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