Hello, Thoughts? The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
1 upvotes
6 Replies
Nora Torres
Totally agree!
38 upvotes
Serenity
same here
29 upvotes
Liam Cook
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 3 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
26 upvotes
Tyler W.
seconding this
25 upvotes
Ryan Torres
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 13 years. Moved from Seattle for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
legal is strong here. healthcare 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have beaches 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 pretty good. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Parker W.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Highland. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..