Independence quality of life -am I missing something?
Hello, My family moved here when I was a kid. It's a a small town city with about 3,695 people. Homes are going for about $757,800 on average. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Should I be concerned?
6 upvotes
9 Replies
Victoria Jimenez
I've lived in Oak Park for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
- The walkability scene is solid
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
34 upvotes
happy_dominic53
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. safety used to be much manageable but now it's tough.
29 upvotes
Piper Campbell
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
28 upvotes
Gabriella Moore
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 11 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
28 upvotes
Ian Gutierrez
Came here for weather and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The public transit is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
25 upvotes
Olivia Perez
Bought a house here in 2023 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
24 upvotes
Russell K.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 10 years ago. The main reasons were family and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
22 upvotes
Wesley Brooks
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
18 upvotes
Sarah
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 5 years. Moved from Miami for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. real estate 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 genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have mountains 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 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Limited entertainment options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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