Anyone else feel this way? Military spouse here. Average temperature is around 45--F, so expect cold winters. Median household income is $73,000, which feels about average for the area. Household incomes average around $73,000 in Colman. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cheers. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The city has invested a lot in new development. The city has invested a lot in new development. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
6 upvotes
4 Replies
Eva Wilson
honestly same experience here
38 upvotes
Madeline
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Chicago about 10 years ago. The main reasons were family and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is improving.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
David
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 8 years. Moved from San Diego for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have desert landscapes 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 challenging. 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 public transit options. Limited entertainment options. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Audrey Gutierrez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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