Alright, Been living here since 2012. Median household income is $59,085, which feels about average for the area. The unemployment rate is 3.1%, which is pretty low. With a population of 8,407, Dumbarton is a small town. It's a a small town city with about 8,407 people. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Should I be concerned? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
10 upvotes
6 Replies
Elizabeth Stewart
Bought a house here in 2021 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
36 upvotes
Isabelle Scott
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Lakewood. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
33 upvotes
Serenity S.
I've lived in Oak Park for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure
- The nightlife scene is improving
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
Olivia Reed
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 51, moved here 8 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Old Town and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The housing market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for couples. solid 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 Atlanta, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
11 upvotes
Zoey Sanders
accurate
11 upvotes
Silas T.
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The safety is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..