We have two kids and Crime rate is something to consider -Inwood sits at 119.0 per 100K. Poverty rate is 12.3%, which is around average. It's a a small town city with about 11,964 people. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Any advice would be great. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
3 upvotes
6 Replies
Elizabeth Cooper
Totally agree!
36 upvotes
Maverick Morales
I've lived in Oak Park for about 14 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 New York, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The cultural scene scene is solid
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Feel free to reach out with questions..
34 upvotes
Hailey D.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 9 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
24 upvotes
Sadie Clark
I work in government here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is challenging. No regrets on my end..
20 upvotes
Jameson
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.