Hey folks, We have two kids and You can expect to pay around $1,238 for rent here. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Let me know your thoughts. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
6 upvotes
13 Replies
Brielle Wright
+1
40 upvotes
nyc_eli
interesting, hadn't considered that
38 upvotes
Luca King
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is weather. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
36 upvotes
Nathan Rivera
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 14 years. Moved from Seattle for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is improving - we have hiking trails 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Chain restaurants dominate. And school system 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.
29 upvotes
Gabriel Baker
thanks for sharing
26 upvotes
Alice Price
big facts right here
26 upvotes
Daniel Thompson
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great Vietnamese places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
26 upvotes
Nora Nelson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from San Diego about 14 years ago. The main reasons were school and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is solid.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. No regrets on my end..
24 upvotes
Joseph Young
accurate
21 upvotes
Logan J.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 46, moved here 15 years ago from LA. I've lived in North and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The walkability situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 LA, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
18 upvotes
Everett S.
I'm a social worker and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
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