First post here. The median home value here is around $292,700, which seems about average. Median household income is $109,590, which feels pretty solid for the area. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Am I wrong here? TIA! Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
1 upvotes
9 Replies
Maverick Lewis
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 8 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
40 upvotes
Isaiah Campbell
following this thread
39 upvotes
Julia Ortiz
couldn't agree more
37 upvotes
Greyson Castillo
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 49, moved here 8 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in The Heights and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The school system situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Chicago, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
29 upvotes
Sofia Watson
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 Austin for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. legal 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 have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have rivers 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 surprisingly good. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Far from beaches/mountains. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Brooks
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in West. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
16 upvotes
Genesis Bennett
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Denver about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are competitive, gas is underrated.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
14 upvotes
Gabriella J.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 5 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
11 upvotes
Maya A.
I've lived in Old Town for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good airport with direct flights
- The walkability scene is tough
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. No regrets on my end..
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