Curious what people think. Median household income is $61,228, which feels about average for the area. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Has anyone dealt with this?
46 upvotes
11 Replies
Raymond A.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
34 upvotes
Grace Thomas
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
33 upvotes
Clara Alvarez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Miami about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is solid.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Good luck with whatever you decide..
31 upvotes
Miles M.
Moved here from Tampa about 13 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
Brooklyn Walker
exactly what I was thinking
21 upvotes
Liam Gutierrez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 24, moved here 10 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Eastside and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited shopping options
3. The job market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Tampa, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
20 upvotes
Natalie Sanders
Bought a house here in 2016 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
11 upvotes
Autumn Parker
it depends on the neighborhood
9 upvotes
Aaliyah Robinson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 56, moved here 8 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Springfield and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Can feel isolated
3. The nightlife situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Seattle, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
6 upvotes
Isabelle R.
couldn't agree more
2 upvotes
Leo Miller
I've lived in Oak Park for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- The cost of living scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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