I'm originally from Salt Lake City and Poverty rate is 6.9%, which is pretty low. It's a a smaller city city with about 53,750 people. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Am I wrong here? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
1 upvotes
8 Replies
Billy R.
yep
37 upvotes
Jason B.
noted, appreciate it
36 upvotes
Kennedy White
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 1 years. Moved from Houston for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. marketing 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 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 better than expected. 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. Limited shopping options. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Everly Davis
been saying this for years
25 upvotes
Carolyn W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Raleigh about 9 years ago. The main reasons were school and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are pricey, gas is improving.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Hope this helps!.
19 upvotes
Emmett W.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 13 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
11 upvotes
Matthew Mitchell
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
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