Curious what people think. My family moved here when I was a kid. Homes are going for about $249,800 on average. It's a a small town city with about 13,861 people. The suburbs are where most families end up. Anyone in a similar situation? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
14 upvotes
9 Replies
Nevaeh Evans
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
29 upvotes
Nova Martinez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 13 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
21 upvotes
Wyatt G.
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
19 upvotes
Oliver Howard
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 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 2-bed in Westside. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in legal. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
Gabriel Murphy
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Midtown) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
11 upvotes
miamiheart2020
couldn't agree more
7 upvotes
Hannah Ruiz
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is excellent in most areas.
7 upvotes
Kaylee B.
I've lived in Oak Park for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Diverse dining options
- The job market scene is average
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Definitely worth checking out..
2 upvotes
Hazel Davis
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 15 years. Moved from Austin for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. marketing 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 challenging - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside schools are challenging. 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. Limited public transit options. Dating scene is rough. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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