OK so I grew up here but left for a while. The median home value here is around $1,162,000, which is pretty steep. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Any help is appreciated. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
3 upvotes
9 Replies
jaxchef2023
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 14 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
40 upvotes
Hailey Anderson
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great Thai places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
39 upvotes
Dominic Ramos
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Oak Park area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
32 upvotes
Isla Miller
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 6 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
32 upvotes
Easton Kelly
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The traffic is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
27 upvotes
Santiago Howard
facts
26 upvotes
Anna Walker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 9 years. Moved from Austin for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. healthcare 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:**
the quality of life is solid. 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. Uptown schools are challenging. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Christine A.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
17 upvotes
Elizabeth Watson
I'm a writer and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
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