Hi all, Am I overthinking this? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
2 upvotes
8 Replies
Jacqueline C.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Good luck with whatever you decide..
33 upvotes
Elijah Wood
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 13 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
31 upvotes
Gabriel Gomez
Bought a house here in 2015 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
19 upvotes
Brandon R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Oak Park for 9 years. Moved from Tampa for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. 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. Oak Park schools are decent. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Joshua Hernandez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Internet is decent in most areas.
11 upvotes
Waylon Allen
I've lived in North for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
- The healthcare scene is decent
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
6 upvotes
Nolan
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great Italian places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.