First post here. I've been here for 2 years and Rent is about $983/month for a decent place. It's a a smaller city city with about 57,442 people. Crime rate is something to consider -Kettering sits at 101.9 per 100K. Median household income is $71,619, which feels about average for the area. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. Am I overthinking this? The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
29 upvotes
20 Replies
Henry Scott
nah I disagree
39 upvotes
Everly
Saving this thread
38 upvotes
Ethan H.
Moved here from Seattle about 4 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to community vibe but Happy to answer more specific questions..
37 upvotes
Ezra Rodriguez
same here
33 upvotes
Clara B.
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
31 upvotes
Peyton
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 13 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
28 upvotes
Andrew Hughes
yeah no that's not right
27 upvotes
Leah T.
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
26 upvotes
true_axel63
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
- The dating scene scene is average
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Feel free to reach out with questions..
25 upvotes
hudson_papa
I'm a accountant and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
22 upvotes
Nevaeh Sanders
Used to live on the North side, now on the Riverside side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
15 upvotes
Wyatt Taylor
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 Portland for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2019 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. consulting 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have national forests 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 solid. 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. Limited high-paying job options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Greyson Campbell
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The weather is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
14 upvotes
Oliver G.
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
13 upvotes
Brielle M.
been saying this for years
11 upvotes
Liam K.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is dating scene. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
8 upvotes
Brooklyn A.
I've lived in Highland for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The cost of living scene is decent
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
6 upvotes
Christian Jackson
I'm a software engineer and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
5 upvotes
Carter
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want community vibe, then yeah this place is great. But if dating scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
3 upvotes
Owen G.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
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