Hey, There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
15 upvotes
7 Replies
Eliana W.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
39 upvotes
Luna Allen
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Good luck with whatever you decide..
38 upvotes
Joshua W.
following this thread
38 upvotes
Carter P.
bump
33 upvotes
Alice
couldn't agree more
31 upvotes
Leah Kim
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from San Diego about 2 years ago. The main reasons were family and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is better than expected.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
23 upvotes
Joshua Sanders
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 13 years. Moved from Charlotte for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. government 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Limited entertainment options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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