I grew up here but left for a while. With a population of 21,855, Darien is a small town. The weather takes some getting used to. What neighborhoods would you suggest? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
12 upvotes
12 Replies
Katherine Ortiz
haha yep pretty much
39 upvotes
Ruby Cruz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 3 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are established, gas is average.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
39 upvotes
Xavier H.
Bought a house here in 2015 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
36 upvotes
Kennedy Alvarez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Riverside. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in tech. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
No regrets on my end..
27 upvotes
urban_weston80
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 1 years. Moved from San Diego for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2021 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have hiking trails 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 decent. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
lake_naomi23
same here
18 upvotes
Luke Roberts
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
17 upvotes
Harper Cooper
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 15 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
13 upvotes
Roman C.
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in The Heights area are average. Kids love it here.
12 upvotes
loving_samuel55
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
9 upvotes
Avery B.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if food scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
7 upvotes
Elena M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 52, moved here 2 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Old Town and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The public transit situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for singles. average 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 Austin, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K 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.
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