Not sure if this has been asked before, but Just moved here 16 months ago and With a population of 95,618, Edmond is a smaller city. The median home value here is around $324,900, which seems about average. Rent is about $1,313/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $324,900 on average. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
Pros:
- Affordable cost of living
- Friendly people
- Easy commute
- Good airport connections
Cons:
- Cold winters
- Limited dining options
- Lack of diversity
- Few job opportunities in some fields
- Not enough green space
Am I overthinking this? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development.
25 upvotes
8 Replies
Evelyn P.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
31 upvotes
Wesley Morales
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great Southern places. the quality of life is solid.
30 upvotes
Eva Jimenez
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 11 years. Moved from Atlanta for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. real estate 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 genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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 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. Road conditions need improvement. Can feel isolated. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Joshua Hughes
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Dallas about 5 years ago. The main reasons were school and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is improving.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
20 upvotes
Wesley Sanchez
facts
16 upvotes
Kayden Davis
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (North) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
14 upvotes
Amelia S.
This.
11 upvotes
Connor R.
I've lived in Highland for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The school system scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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