Random thought, Median household income is $61,681, which feels about average for the area. You can expect to pay around $1,209 for rent here. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
1 upvotes
12 Replies
Eli R.
yeah no that's not right
36 upvotes
Ian Kelly
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 1 years. Moved from Dallas for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have mountains 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 improving. 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. Limited entertainment options. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
orlandonative2021
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 7 years. Moved from Charlotte for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are surprisingly 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 traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Xavier Jackson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Austin about 4 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are manageable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Feel free to reach out with questions..
20 upvotes
Josiah Sanders
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely excellent and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Highland) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
18 upvotes
lachef2023
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely tough and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Uptown) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
17 upvotes
Thomas Carter
I work in manufacturing here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Definitely worth checking out..
12 upvotes
Alexander Ortiz
Bought a house here in 2021 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone about the same since then.
9 upvotes
Jeremiah Carter
as a local I can confirm
3 upvotes
Savannah Wright
exactly what I was thinking
3 upvotes
Kaylee
Moved here from Boston about 11 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to traffic but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
2 upvotes
Zoe F.
Moved here from San Diego about 13 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to weather but Good luck with whatever you decide..
All Countries
