Been meaning to ask this. I grew up here but left for a while. Household incomes average around $78,183 in Keene. Rent is about $1,275/month for a decent place. With a population of 22,923, Keene is a small town. The unemployment rate is 1.0%, which is pretty low. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
5 upvotes
4 Replies
eli_soul
nah I disagree
11 upvotes
Jackson Hall
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 8 years. Moved from Raleigh for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Oak Park schools are average. 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 outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Kathryn J.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
1 upvotes
Gianna
I'm a software engineer and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
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