OK so The median home value here is around $110,200, which is actually reasonable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Any advice would be great.
24 upvotes
6 Replies
Eva Hernandez
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Oak Park area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
40 upvotes
Mia Young
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
30 upvotes
Ruby Myers
wish I knew this sooner
15 upvotes
Alexa
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 3 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
13 upvotes
Ezekiel Sanders
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 28, moved here 9 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in North and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The traffic situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for remote workers. hit or miss 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 Nashville, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
5 upvotes
Grace T.
Came here for quality of life and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The pet-friendliness is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.