OK so I'm a teacher here and The unemployment rate is 4.7%, which is about average. The median home value here is around $368,500, which seems about average. Homes are going for about $368,500 on average. Average temperature is around 63--F, so the weather is moderate. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Worth the trade-offs? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
17 upvotes
3 Replies
Landon Smith
Moved here from Baltimore about 8 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to housing market but No regrets on my end..
20 upvotes
Madeline Rivera
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Boston 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 Meadowbrook. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in education. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
20 upvotes
Autumn Wood
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 Salt Lake City for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have biking trails 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 average. 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 healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
All Countries
