Anyone else feel this way? My partner and I are It's a a smaller city city with about 82,140 people. You can expect to pay around $2,279 for rent here. Poverty rate is 3.3%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $139,263, which feels pretty solid for the area. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Am I wrong here? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
15 upvotes
13 Replies
Lydia P.
literally same
37 upvotes
Joshua P.
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much manageable but now it's tough.
35 upvotes
Everett Sanders
hmm interesting perspective
35 upvotes
Declan Chavez
haha yep pretty much
31 upvotes
Emilia F.
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
28 upvotes
Henry J.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
28 upvotes
Jonathan J.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Definitely worth checking out..
25 upvotes
Grace Adams
yep
23 upvotes
Josiah N.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
12 upvotes
John Morris
I've lived in Oak Park for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
- The nightlife scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
8 upvotes
Xavier Moore
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 31, moved here 15 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Oak Park and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited shopping options
3. The housing market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Miami, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
6 upvotes
Audrey Rodriguez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
5 upvotes
Carson Hall
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
All Countries
