Hello, Rent is about $2,051/month for a decent place. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Any advice would be great. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
9 upvotes
13 Replies
bostonmama2021
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 6 years. Moved from Atlanta for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are surprisingly good. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Chain restaurants dominate. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Austin Davis
glad someone said it
37 upvotes
Dominic Kelly
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 5 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
36 upvotes
Sadie Edwards
spot on
36 upvotes
Declan Moore
I've lived in Oak Park for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- The safety scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
33 upvotes
lucas_heart
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 15 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
29 upvotes
Leah
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
27 upvotes
Clara Brooks
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 38, moved here 7 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The safety situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Portland, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
25 upvotes
Leah Cook
Can confirm, been here 4 years.
23 upvotes
Aubrey Jackson
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Westside area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
16 upvotes
Mason Miller
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
13 upvotes
Daniel Thompson
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. housing market used to be much reasonable but now it's underrated.
6 upvotes
Adeline Edwards
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much competitive but now it's tough.
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