Hey, Crime rate is something to consider — Henderson sits at 170.9 per 100K. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
12 upvotes
4 Replies
Nathan Gutierrez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 12 years. Moved from Phoenix for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. marketing 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are underrated. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited high-paying job options. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Wesley Cruz
The food scene here is average. Tons of great Indian places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
38 upvotes
Dylan Ward
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
30 upvotes
Allison Phillips
I've lived in Oak Park for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The outdoor recreation scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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