So, I work in government and Crime rate is something to consider -Clearfield sits at 607.5 per 100K. You can expect to pay around $686 for rent here. Average temperature is around 49--F, so expect cold winters. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cheers. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
0 upvotes
9 Replies
Leah N.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want outdoor recreation, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
36 upvotes
Miles F.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 15 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
36 upvotes
Valentina Mitchell
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Miami it's hit or miss.
35 upvotes
Hudson
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
33 upvotes
Everett 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 15 years. Moved from San Francisco for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2022 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
miami_angel
nah I disagree
31 upvotes
Natalie Rodriguez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 13 years. Moved from Tampa for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. engineering 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are better than expected. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And pet-friendliness 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.
27 upvotes
Nora Roberts
wish I knew this sooner
22 upvotes
Carson Walker
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Highland area are average. Kids love it here.
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