The median home value here is around $318,200, which seems about average. 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. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
12 upvotes
26 Replies
Evelyn
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
40 upvotes
John Jimenez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Minneapolis it's solid.
38 upvotes
Angel Jimenez
I work in real estate here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is improving. Happy to answer more specific questions..
36 upvotes
Eva Rivera
literally same
30 upvotes
Julia Hall
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 5 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to safety but Definitely worth checking out..
28 upvotes
Xavier Martinez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 10 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
28 upvotes
Eleanor S.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Chicago about 9 years ago. The main reasons were family and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good schools in most areas
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is excellent.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Feel free to reach out with questions..
27 upvotes
Clara Anderson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 9 years. Moved from Seattle for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are surprisingly 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. Urban sprawl is real. Bugs and humidity in summer. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Maverick M.
good to know, thanks
23 upvotes
Leo Richardson
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 5 years. Moved from San Francisco for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is decent - 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 hit or miss. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Dating scene is rough. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Dylan M.
nah I disagree
21 upvotes
Aria Rivera
Bought a house here in 2021 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
20 upvotes
Olivia Clark
I've lived in The Heights for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Active local events and festivals
- The walkability scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
19 upvotes
Jordan M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Tampa about 5 years ago. The main reasons were school and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Close to major attractions
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is challenging.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Hope this helps!.
19 upvotes
Landon Robinson
following this thread
18 upvotes
Ezekiel Sanders
exactly what I was thinking
14 upvotes
Wyatt King
Used to live on the South side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
14 upvotes
Lucas King
been saying this for years
11 upvotes
Caleb L.
it depends on the neighborhood
10 upvotes
Asher Miller
great question, following
9 upvotes
Kaylee Hall
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 7 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
9 upvotes
Willow N.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 12 years. Moved from San Diego for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
retail is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is average - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside 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. Nightlife is limited. Far from beaches/mountains. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Ezra Cruz
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
7 upvotes
john_girl
I work in marketing here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Definitely worth checking out..
6 upvotes
Kinsley
Came here for work and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
4 upvotes
David Cooper
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The traffic is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
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