Hi all, Thoughts? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
15 upvotes
18 Replies
Ava S.
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
36 upvotes
sfheart2023
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The weather is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
35 upvotes
Everly Sanchez
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 8 years. Moved from Atlanta for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. manufacturing 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:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. Oak Park schools are challenging. 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. Limited shopping options. Far from beaches/mountains. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Natalie P.
same here
33 upvotes
Axel Adams
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
28 upvotes
Aurora Johnson
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
24 upvotes
Leonardo Patel
haha yep pretty much
20 upvotes
columbuswalker2021
lol so true
20 upvotes
Emilia Rodriguez
lol so true
10 upvotes
Evelyn R.
been saying this for years
6 upvotes
Kaylee Collins
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 14 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
6 upvotes
Luke Collins
hmm interesting perspective
5 upvotes
Elena Alvarez
I've lived in Westside for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong job market in several industries
- The walkability scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
4 upvotes
Logan Foster
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
4 upvotes
Ellie Howard
Came here for weather and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The public transit is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
4 upvotes
Sophia Gutierrez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 3 years. Moved from LA for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. manufacturing 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 have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Old Town 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. Limited public transit options. Not very walkable outside downtown. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
2 upvotes
Abigail C.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
2 upvotes
Mason Roberts
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Hope this helps!.