First post here. Crime rate is something to consider -Enola sits at 79.7 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 5.6%, which is about average. With a population of 5,913, Enola is a small town. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Worth the trade-offs? Thanks! It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
14 upvotes
8 Replies
Kaylee Jackson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 39, moved here 14 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in North and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The job market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
37 upvotes
Eva Gutierrez
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The cost of living is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
35 upvotes
hannah_runner
This.
16 upvotes
Bennett
haha yep pretty much
12 upvotes
Thomas Miller
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The dating scene is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
9 upvotes
Sofia Smith
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great Korean places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
9 upvotes
Colton James
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 Raleigh for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have desert landscapes 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 solid. 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. Limited public transit options. Summers can be brutally hot. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Connor Carter
I'm a pharmacist and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is average and there's always something going on.
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