Just moved here 6 months ago and Poverty rate is 1.3%, which is pretty low. It's a a small town city with about 1,945 people. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Am I overthinking this? The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
8 upvotes
10 Replies
Lucas M.
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
36 upvotes
Emmett Rivera
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
34 upvotes
Claire L.
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
31 upvotes
Nora W.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Springfield) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
16 upvotes
columbuswalker2023
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
9 upvotes
Kayden K.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
8 upvotes
Leah Lee
I've lived in Oak Park for about 3 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 Nashville, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
- The cultural scene scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
7 upvotes
real_alice76
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Miami about 14 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
4 upvotes
Avery
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Highland. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in finance. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
1 upvotes
John H.
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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