Been meaning to ask this. I'm single, late 40s, and Household incomes average around $74,867 in College Park. It's a a smaller city city with about 34,397 people. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. What are your go-to spots?
21 upvotes
9 Replies
Matthew L.
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Sunset area are challenging. Kids love it here.
40 upvotes
Madelyn
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 9 years. Moved from New York for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. tech 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is average - we have national forests 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 excellent. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Limited shopping options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Julian
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 9 years. Moved from Tampa for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is average - 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. Meadowbrook 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. Property taxes are high. Far from beaches/mountains. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Brooklyn Taylor
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 14 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
31 upvotes
Ethan Stewart
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Maple Ridge for 14 years. Moved from San Diego for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2019 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. retail 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 exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is average - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Maple Ridge schools are improving. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
William Hughes
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. safety used to be much reasonable but now it's excellent.
28 upvotes
Aria Carter
interesting, hadn't considered that
25 upvotes
Miles O.
haha yep pretty much
20 upvotes
Evan L.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
All Countries
