We have two kids and You can expect to pay around $995 for rent here. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. TIA! Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
2 upvotes
11 Replies
Quinn J.
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much developing but now it's improving.
37 upvotes
Aaron C.
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great Indian places. it was the best decision I ever made.
34 upvotes
Cameron W.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want weather, then yeah this place is great. But if nightlife matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
29 upvotes
Jaxon Mitchell
I've lived in Oak Park for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The dating scene scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Happy to answer more specific questions..
28 upvotes
caleb_papa
great question, following
25 upvotes
Alexis C.
noted, appreciate it
21 upvotes
Ruby C.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if nightlife matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
18 upvotes
Michelle R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 15 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. 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 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Not very walkable outside downtown. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Jaxon Ruiz
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
10 upvotes
Victoria Thompson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Seattle about 11 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Close to major attractions
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited entertainment options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. No regrets on my end..
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