Random thought, I relocated for work and Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. What neighborhoods would you suggest?
13 upvotes
5 Replies
Arianna M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 7 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
34 upvotes
Declan N.
I've lived in Oak Park for about 4 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 Seattle, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The dating scene scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
30 upvotes
Emily Garcia
lol so true
18 upvotes
Cameron Phillips
I work in government here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is better than expected. Hope this helps!.
14 upvotes
Mackenzie Edwards
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 2 years. Moved from Baltimore for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is decent - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Winters are long and cold. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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