OK so I'm a 35-year-old real estate agent and Rent is about $1,259/month for a decent place. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
3 upvotes
13 Replies
Avery
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Miami about 14 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is average.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Definitely worth checking out..
39 upvotes
Sophia Evans
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Seattle it's improving.
39 upvotes
Adam Jackson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Sunset. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
38 upvotes
Autumn Anderson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 15 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into running, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
36 upvotes
Autumn Ruiz
glad someone said it
35 upvotes
Mackenzie H.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Seattle it's average.
34 upvotes
Adrian Carter
noted, appreciate it
12 upvotes
mesa_everly
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great BBQ places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
11 upvotes
Isabelle Peterson
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 2 years. Moved from Portland for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2018 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:**
construction is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is tough - we have state parks 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. Nightlife is limited. Limited shopping options. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Brooks Ortiz
noted, appreciate it
9 upvotes
Madeline Price
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 3 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into running, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
8 upvotes
Brooklyn
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is improving in most areas.
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