Anyone else feel this way? Median household income is $19,910, which feels on the lower side for the area. It's a a small town city with about 1,123 people. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Worth the trade-offs? Thanks for reading.
0 upvotes
14 Replies
Adam Green
Came here for work and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The cultural scene is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
39 upvotes
Isaac
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Uptown. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in retail. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
36 upvotes
Nathan B.
haha yep pretty much
35 upvotes
Elena
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely tough and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Westside) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
32 upvotes
Jayden Morris
Moved here last year, no regrets.
23 upvotes
Santiago Mendoza
as a local I can confirm
18 upvotes
Michael Wright
been saying this for years
11 upvotes
Stella Collins
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Tampa about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are affordable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Feel free to reach out with questions..
7 upvotes
Valentina Allen
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 1 years. Moved from Austin for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. engineering 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 wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills 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. Limited high-paying job options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Isaac Alvarez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 31, moved here 14 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in North and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The public transit situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for families. pretty good 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 Phoenix, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
4 upvotes
Clara
I've lived in Oak Park for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong job market in several industries
- The dating scene scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
2 upvotes
Liam Cox
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 56, moved here 8 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Pine Hills and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Close to major attractions
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The school system situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for young professionals. decent 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 Dallas, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K 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.
2 upvotes
John R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 42, moved here 10 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Old Town and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The traffic situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K 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.
1 upvotes
Addison Anderson
Bought a house here in 2018 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone about the same since then.
All Countries
