I'm a teacher here and Rent is about $916/month for a decent place. The median home value here is around $101,200, which is actually reasonable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
15 upvotes
8 Replies
Lydia J.
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
- The job market scene is improving
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Hope this helps!.
37 upvotes
minneapolis_benjamin
Saving this thread
33 upvotes
Adam Johnson
facts
28 upvotes
Alexander Alvarez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (East) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
25 upvotes
Addison Gomez
I've lived in Oak Park for about 15 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 Pittsburgh, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- The nightlife scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Feel free to reach out with questions..
25 upvotes
Kennedy Watson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 39, moved here 8 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Fairview and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The pet-friendliness situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Raleigh, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
23 upvotes
Addison Wilson
Bought a house here in 2019 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
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