Military spouse here. Poverty rate is 8.0%, which is pretty low. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
29 upvotes
22 Replies
Gabriella
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is excellent in most areas.
40 upvotes
Willow Torres
accurate
40 upvotes
Randy H.
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 10 years. Moved from Portland for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have national forests 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 excellent. 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. Rising rent and home prices. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Arianna Evans
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
37 upvotes
Mateo Long
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Tampa about 5 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is average.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
Julian Evans
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the South side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
36 upvotes
Dominic Hall
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 10 years. Moved from Baltimore for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
finance is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. Meadowbrook schools are tough. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Katherine Richardson
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great Indian places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
33 upvotes
portlandnative2024
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much pricey but now it's average.
32 upvotes
Jace
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Pine Hills area are solid. Kids love it here.
32 upvotes
Hudson Peterson
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in The Heights area are underrated. Kids love it here.
32 upvotes
Kinsley C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 43, moved here 4 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Highland and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The dating scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
28 upvotes
Alice Hernandez
Moved here from Raleigh about 15 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to cost of living but Hope this helps!.
28 upvotes
Landon Clark
interesting, hadn't considered that
28 upvotes
Logan Martin
hard disagree but ok
27 upvotes
Bennett L.
Came here for quality of life and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
25 upvotes
Andrea H.
good to know, thanks
22 upvotes
Madelyn C.
Can confirm, been here 6 years.
17 upvotes
Anna M.
this is the way
11 upvotes
Greyson L.
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
10 upvotes
Judy T.
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
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