Hello, I'm a remote worker and The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
3 upvotes
20 Replies
Alice Chavez
hmm interesting perspective
40 upvotes
Angel H.
interesting, hadn't considered that
40 upvotes
raleigh_ella
I've lived in Sunset for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
- The cost of living scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Feel free to reach out with questions..
38 upvotes
Bennett Murphy
I've lived in Uptown for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The cultural scene scene is average
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
37 upvotes
Lydia Bailey
yeah no that's not right
31 upvotes
proud_camila95
seconding this
31 upvotes
jeremiah_native
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 4 years. Moved from LA for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey 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. Can feel isolated. Limited shopping options. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Jacob Ramirez
Bought a house here in 2021 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
28 upvotes
desert_ella26
glad someone said it
26 upvotes
Ezekiel Turner
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely pretty good and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (East) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic 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.
23 upvotes
Bella Thomas
I work in engineering here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is challenging. No regrets on my end..
21 upvotes
Jaxon
this is the way
20 upvotes
Bennett Y.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
18 upvotes
Scarlett Cooper
Totally agree!
14 upvotes
Jackson A.
Moved here from Nashville about 2 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to walkability but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
Lucy W.
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great BBQ places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
9 upvotes
Aiden Brown
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
6 upvotes
John Ward
big facts right here
6 upvotes
Luna Long
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from LA about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are developing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
5 upvotes
Stella Davis
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 5 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.