Alright, I'm a teacher here and Crime rate is something to consider -Cos Cob sits at 28.7 per 100K. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Am I wrong here? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
8 upvotes
6 Replies
Carter M.
couldn't agree more
34 upvotes
Joe M.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
- The safety scene is solid
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. No regrets on my end..
17 upvotes
Mateo Campbell
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 4 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
15 upvotes
Harper Howard
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
7 upvotes
Ezra Cox
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 6 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into running, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
4 upvotes
Ethan Kim
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 Austin for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have beaches 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 average. 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. Property taxes are high. Homeless population growing downtown. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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