Born and raised here. You can expect to pay around $1,095 for rent here. Rent is about $1,095/month for a decent place. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Has anyone dealt with this? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
5 upvotes
7 Replies
charlotte_jameson
not my experience at all
34 upvotes
Cora Adams
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 6 years ago. The main reasons were work and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Summers can be brutally hot
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is solid.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Definitely worth checking out..
33 upvotes
Dylan Alvarez
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great Thai places. it was the best decision I ever made.
22 upvotes
jaxguy2020
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
14 upvotes
Madeline Morgan
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 15 years. Moved from New York for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have lakes 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 excellent. 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. Nightlife is limited. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes
Abigail R.
yep
6 upvotes
Brenda M.
I'm a project manager and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
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