Hi all, I'm a 27-year-old physical therapist and Homes are going for about $151,400 on average. You can expect to pay around $788 for rent here. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Am I wrong here? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
8 upvotes
2 Replies
Evelyn W.
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 Pittsburgh for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
retail is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. Nightlife is limited. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Katherine Foster
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 9 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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