I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Median household income is $65,000, which feels about average for the area. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Thanks in advance! It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
9 upvotes
13 Replies
Luca Rivera
I've lived in Oak Park for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Lots of new development happening
- The cost of living scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Happy to answer more specific questions..
39 upvotes
Landon J.
it depends on the neighborhood
38 upvotes
sacramento_weston
it depends on the neighborhood
38 upvotes
Jameson Clark
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 13 years. Moved from San Diego for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2020 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. Maple Ridge 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. Rising rent and home prices. Chain restaurants dominate. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Carter Foster
thanks for sharing
34 upvotes
Natalie C.
nah I disagree
32 upvotes
Andrew Brown
I'm a data analyst and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
31 upvotes
Diane G.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 2 years. Moved from San Francisco for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
construction is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield 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. Rising rent and home prices. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
raised_nathan38
Came here for retirement and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The public transit is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
24 upvotes
Connor M.
spot on
23 upvotes
Easton Wilson
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
21 upvotes
Carolyn C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 36, moved here 14 years ago from Portland. I've lived in East and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The safety situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Portland, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
19 upvotes
cincy_brielle
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 10 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are wild, gas is decent.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Definitely worth checking out..
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