Hey, We have two kids and With a population of 66,801, Davis is a smaller city. Median household income is $87,421, which feels pretty solid for the area. Poverty rate is 5.3%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $2,043 for rent here. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. What do you all think? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to.
7 upvotes
7 Replies
Emilia Gomez
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 4 years. Moved from Phoenix for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2020 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. hospitality 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 improving - we have state parks 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. Property taxes are high. Road conditions need improvement. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Matthew Adams
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Fairview area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
33 upvotes
Janice E.
lol so true
24 upvotes
Mateo Robinson
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
8 upvotes
austin_skylar
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great Vietnamese places. I have mixed feelings honestly.
5 upvotes
Sadie Nguyen
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. food scene used to be much wild but now it's hit or miss.
5 upvotes
Paisley Castillo
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 47, moved here 12 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Springfield and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The outdoor recreation situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Atlanta, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K 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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