Curious what people think. Just moved here 7 months ago and Homes are going for about $118,800 on average. The unemployment rate is 4.3%, which is about average. Average temperature is around 57--F, so the weather is moderate. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Am I wrong here? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
2 upvotes
5 Replies
Kaylee R.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
37 upvotes
denver_eliana
+1
32 upvotes
Julia H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 58, moved here 9 years ago from LA. I've lived in Lakewood and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited shopping options
3. The nightlife situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for remote workers. pretty good 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 LA, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
28 upvotes
Silas Morris
I've lived in Oak Park for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good airport with direct flights
- Strong sense of community
- The housing market scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Hope this helps!.
6 upvotes
Samuel Patel
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 10 years. Moved from Dallas for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Highland 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Limited entertainment options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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