Alright, The food scene here is surprisingly good. What do you all think?
17 upvotes
15 Replies
Wyatt Murphy
I've lived in Midtown for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Active local events and festivals
- The outdoor recreation scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. No regrets on my end..
38 upvotes
Weston M.
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
37 upvotes
Jace Kim
it depends on the neighborhood
35 upvotes
Natalie Wood
couldn't agree more
33 upvotes
David P.
I'm a pharmacist and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
32 upvotes
Cooper
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if dating scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
29 upvotes
Anna Johnson
literally same
25 upvotes
Melanie L.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
25 upvotes
Robert Peterson
I've lived in Uptown for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
- The walkability scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
25 upvotes
Ariana Foster
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely improving and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Fairview) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Can feel isolated.
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.
13 upvotes
Hudson H.
interesting, hadn't considered that
11 upvotes
Josiah C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 38, moved here 3 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Riverside and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Limited shopping options
3. The public transit situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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
Lucas T.
I work in engineering here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is pretty good. Hope this helps!.
7 upvotes
Robert Flores
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 15 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2015 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. education 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. 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 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Chain restaurants dominate. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.