Poverty rate is 17.6%, which is higher than I expected. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Should I be concerned? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
10 upvotes
5 Replies
Jacqueline L.
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 13 years. Moved from Atlanta for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. healthcare 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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 hit or miss. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Elijah Morgan
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Charlotte 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 Fairview. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in retail. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Definitely worth checking out..
17 upvotes
Lucas S.
literally same
5 upvotes
Adam Diaz
Bought a house here in 2020 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
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