First post here. Homes are going for about $110,200 on average. The median home value here is around $110,200, which is actually reasonable. You can expect to pay around $808 for rent here. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. Worth the trade-offs? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
8 upvotes
8 Replies
Elena
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Feel free to reach out with questions..
34 upvotes
Ella W.
thanks for sharing
30 upvotes
Linda R.
I've lived in Oak Park for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The dating scene scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Definitely worth checking out..
28 upvotes
Weston J.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
28 upvotes
Zoey M.
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Lakewood area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
24 upvotes
Nora R.
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much reasonable but now it's solid.
23 upvotes
John Wood
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 13 years. Moved from LA for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. tech 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is improving - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook schools are improving. 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. Winters are long and cold. Homeless population growing downtown. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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