Been meaning to ask this. We're a young couple and Rent is about $1,156/month for a decent place. With a population of 15,810, Grimes is a small town. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
13 upvotes
10 Replies
Paisley Myers
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Dallas about 4 years ago. The main reasons were weather and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Winters are long and cold
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is challenging.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
39 upvotes
Sarah Miller
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 14 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
37 upvotes
Kennedy Roberts
Bought a house here in 2021 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
35 upvotes
Piper R.
underrated comment
31 upvotes
Matthew Murphy
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
27 upvotes
nashvillefan2024
I'm a marketing manager and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is average and there's always something going on.
25 upvotes
Logan Lopez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
24 upvotes
Nathan Howard
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
22 upvotes
Nora C.
I've lived in Oak Park for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The outdoor recreation scene is average
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Definitely worth checking out..
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