Random thought, I've been here for 11 years and Rent is about $1,552/month for a decent place. Median household income is $91,503, which feels pretty solid for the area. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. What do you all think? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
28 upvotes
23 Replies
Ella G.
I've lived in Sunset for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The food scene scene is average
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
39 upvotes
Bella White
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
38 upvotes
Lawrence W.
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Eastside area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
35 upvotes
Bennett Wilson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Eastside. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in marketing. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
34 upvotes
Sophie Moore
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely excellent and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (East) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
34 upvotes
Joshua O.
I've lived in Lakewood 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 Nashville, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Lots of new development happening
- The safety scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Happy to answer more specific questions..
34 upvotes
Emilia F.
Moved here from Atlanta about 10 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to dating scene but Happy to answer more specific questions..
27 upvotes
Cora Morris
hmm interesting perspective
24 upvotes
Eliana L.
great question, following
24 upvotes
Ariana Diaz
preach
24 upvotes
Jayden Anderson
Moved here from Nashville about 9 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to cost of living but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
20 upvotes
Aubrey A.
exactly what I was thinking
18 upvotes
James Ross
hmm interesting perspective
15 upvotes
Audrey N.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 52, moved here 11 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Old Town and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The cultural scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for singles. decent vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Austin, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
11 upvotes
Matthew Richardson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Hope this helps!.
11 upvotes
William Robinson
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 2 years. Moved from Houston for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have biking trails 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 hit or miss. 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. Can feel isolated. Homeless population growing downtown. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes
vegaslover2022
good to know, thanks
6 upvotes
Angel Sanders
100%
6 upvotes
Serenity G.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
5 upvotes
Ava Collins
this is the way
5 upvotes
andrew_kid
hmm interesting perspective
3 upvotes
Anthony B.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 6 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
3 upvotes
zoe_girl
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is solid in most areas.
All Countries
