Been meaning to ask this. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Anyone in a similar situation?
28 upvotes
9 Replies
Isaiah Wood
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 13 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
34 upvotes
Laura C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 15 years. Moved from Charlotte for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is average - 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. Downtown 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Bugs and humidity in summer. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Kaylee Jackson
not my experience at all
27 upvotes
Jameson C.
I'm a accountant and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
22 upvotes
Asher R.
I've lived in Oak Park for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
- The weather scene is solid
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. No regrets on my end..
17 upvotes
Autumn Scott
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community vibe is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
14 upvotes
Christian A.
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great BBQ places. it's been a really good experience overall.
11 upvotes
Dominic Reed
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Westside. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
3 upvotes
Adam S.
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great BBQ places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.