Been meaning to ask this. Poverty rate is 3.3%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Foster City sits at 112.6 per 100K. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Thanks in advance! Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up.
18 upvotes
7 Replies
Russell C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 11 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
30 upvotes
Alexander Bennett
underrated comment
27 upvotes
Brooks Robinson
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 11 years. Moved from Atlanta for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
legal is strong here. education 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:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is solid - we have mountains 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 tough. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Not very walkable outside downtown. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Robert Robinson
spot on
13 upvotes
Evelyn W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Baltimore about 5 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
11 upvotes
Axel Bennett
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
10 upvotes
Stella
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 6 years. Moved from San Diego for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2015 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood 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. Can feel isolated. Limited entertainment options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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