Random thought, Been living here since 2009. Poverty rate is 5.2%, which is pretty low. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
1 upvotes
9 Replies
Mackenzie Gutierrez
Saving this thread
40 upvotes
Brooklyn Reed
noted, appreciate it
33 upvotes
Sophia Campbell
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Miami about 10 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
28 upvotes
Adam J.
haha yep pretty much
17 upvotes
Roman F.
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
9 upvotes
Emmett
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is weather. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
9 upvotes
Deborah L.
I'm a nurse and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
8 upvotes
Isabella W.
I've lived in Oak Park for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
- The walkability scene is average
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Feel free to reach out with questions..
6 upvotes
Valentina Thomas
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Old Town. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in marketing. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
All Countries
