Not sure if this has been asked before, but Average temperature is around 45--F, so bundle up in winter. With a population of 20,261, Howard is a small town. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. What are your go-to spots?
7 upvotes
8 Replies
Luke G.
I've lived in Oak Park for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- The cost of living scene is decent
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
34 upvotes
Isaiah Cooper
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Minneapolis about 8 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Winters are long and cold
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are pricey, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
28 upvotes
Leonardo Carter
as a local I can confirm
22 upvotes
Kinsley James
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is job market. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
16 upvotes
Isla Miller
honestly same experience here
16 upvotes
Adam F.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 6 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
9 upvotes
Autumn T.
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
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