Random thought, Poverty rate is 11.9%, which is around average. Average temperature is around 59--F, so the weather is moderate. You can expect to pay around $975 for rent here. The median home value here is around $248,300, which is actually reasonable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. What are your go-to spots? Looking forward to hearing from you all. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
4 upvotes
25 Replies
kcfan2024
underrated comment
36 upvotes
Aaron R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Oak Park. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in real estate. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
36 upvotes
Justin H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 38, moved here 11 years ago from New York. I've lived in Oak Park and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The walkability situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 New York, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K 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.
35 upvotes
Camila Rivera
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Denver 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 East. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in real estate. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
35 upvotes
Wesley Ramos
I'm a electrician and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
33 upvotes
Piper Bailey
as a local I can confirm
33 upvotes
Lawrence J.
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
27 upvotes
Daniel W.
facts
22 upvotes
Lillian B.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely excellent and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
22 upvotes
Madelyn Hughes
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
18 upvotes
lake_mason63
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 2 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
17 upvotes
charlottemind2020
honestly same experience here
17 upvotes
Wesley Robinson
as a local I can confirm
16 upvotes
Sofia White
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Charlotte it's underrated.
15 upvotes
Jack L.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely improving and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness 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.
14 upvotes
Silas Ross
Moved here from Phoenix about 13 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to weather but Hope this helps!.
14 upvotes
Jonathan
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 3 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. consulting 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have state parks 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 better than expected. 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. Limited public transit options. Limited shopping options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Levi King
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 38, moved here 6 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Greenfield and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The cost of living situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for remote workers. underrated 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 Austin, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K 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.
13 upvotes
Julia P.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 8 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
12 upvotes
Josiah Brown
I've lived in Lakewood for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
- The job market scene is improving
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Happy to answer more specific questions..
12 upvotes
Dominic Scott
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is improving in most areas.
11 upvotes
Nicholas Baker
nah I disagree
11 upvotes
Katherine Jimenez
exactly what I was thinking
8 upvotes
Katherine
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Riverside) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
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