Anyone else feel this way? My partner and I are Rent is about $1,427/month for a decent place. Household incomes average around $138,761 in Clarence Center. With a population of 2,551, Clarence Center is a small town. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
13 upvotes
5 Replies
seattlesoul2022
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Tampa about 9 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Four distinct seasons
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is average.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Happy to answer more specific questions..
29 upvotes
Oliver Howard
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
28 upvotes
Emma Young
Totally agree!
21 upvotes
Olivia
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Good luck with whatever you decide..
16 upvotes
Evan Flores
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 2 years. Moved from Seattle for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have beaches 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 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. Can feel isolated. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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