OK so The unemployment rate is 2.5%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Dedham sits at 27.8 per 100K. With a population of 25,109, Dedham is a smaller city. It's a a smaller city city with about 25,109 people. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
10 upvotes
7 Replies
Aaron Moore
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Westside. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in consulting. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Hope this helps!.
38 upvotes
Willow
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 24, moved here 1 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Pine Hills and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The public transit situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Baltimore, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
36 upvotes
Landon Howard
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 15 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
33 upvotes
caroline_mind
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much developing but now it's decent.
26 upvotes
Emily
I work in government here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is challenging. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
19 upvotes
Kennedy O.
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 3 years. Moved from Seattle for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
hospitality is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. Oak Park schools are pretty good. 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. Dating scene is rough. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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