Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a teacher here and You can expect to pay around $1,491 for rent here. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Am I overthinking this? Thanks! There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
20 upvotes
11 Replies
Violet Baker
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much pricey but now it's excellent.
39 upvotes
Weston White
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 15 years. Moved from Miami for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2018 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is tough - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are excellent. 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. Rising rent and home prices. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Ezra Myers
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is nightlife. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
35 upvotes
Eliana
This.
35 upvotes
Allison Morgan
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Midtown. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in tech. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
34 upvotes
Jacqueline R.
Came here for school and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The safety is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
33 upvotes
lake_delilah77
interesting, hadn't considered that
30 upvotes
Cora S.
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 5 years. Moved from Portland for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2022 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. tech 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is average - 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 decent. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Bugs and humidity in summer. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Jackson Gonzalez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 31, moved here 12 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited entertainment options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The healthcare situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for young professionals. solid vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Raleigh, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
1 upvotes
Axel T.
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Uptown area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
0 upvotes
Ezekiel Kelly
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from New York about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is underrated.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Hope this helps!.
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