So, I work in retail and It's a a small town city with about 8,468 people. You can expect to pay around $1,161 for rent here. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
8 upvotes
14 Replies
Isabella Walker
I've lived in Midtown for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
- The dating scene scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
39 upvotes
Victoria K.
it depends on the neighborhood
36 upvotes
Justin P.
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 Atlanta for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have lakes 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 surprisingly good. 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. Limited high-paying job options. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Virginia A.
Came here for retirement and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor recreation is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
31 upvotes
Caleb P.
thanks for sharing
30 upvotes
Aaron R.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is average in most areas.
28 upvotes
fresnoguy2025
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 57, moved here 6 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Greenfield and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The traffic situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
26 upvotes
Aaron Moore
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely challenging and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Midtown) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
24 upvotes
Valentina Ross
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
19 upvotes
lake_wyatt2
seconding this
13 upvotes
Axel
facts
10 upvotes
Melanie A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 41, moved here 3 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Old Town and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The safety situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for remote workers. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Seattle, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
7 upvotes
Hannah Smith
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 2 years. Moved from Tampa for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2020 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. consulting 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is decent - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood 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. Urban sprawl is real. Limited shopping options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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