Been meaning to ask this. Born and raised here. The median home value here is around $223,200, which is actually reasonable. Poverty rate is 10.6%, which is around average. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Worth the trade-offs? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
18 upvotes
8 Replies
Liam Peterson
big facts right here
40 upvotes
Jayden Adams
I've lived in South for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Active local events and festivals
- The dating scene scene is improving
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Good luck with whatever you decide..
25 upvotes
Cora Lopez
this is the way
15 upvotes
Ruby Johnson
I've lived in Oak Park for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The community vibe scene is decent
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Happy to answer more specific questions..
15 upvotes
Eliana Morris
This.
15 upvotes
Connor R.
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
7 upvotes
Emma Davis
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
4 upvotes
Riley Martinez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 34, moved here 6 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Old Town and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The public transit situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Austin, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
All Countries
