Hello, My family moved here when I was a kid. It's a a smaller city city with about 51,791 people. The unemployment rate is 2.2%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $196,600 on average. Poverty rate is 7.8%, which is pretty low. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Am I wrong here? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
12 upvotes
13 Replies
Waylon Morales
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 51, moved here 9 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Downtown and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Friendly community, easy to meet people
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The cultural scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for young professionals. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Dallas, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
38 upvotes
Joshua Howard
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much pricey but now it's improving.
38 upvotes
Elena Brooks
nah I disagree
32 upvotes
David Sanchez
exactly what I was thinking
31 upvotes
Jayden
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
28 upvotes
Bobby J.
haha yep pretty much
28 upvotes
fresno_zoey
100%
21 upvotes
Alexander C.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is community vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
20 upvotes
Eva Taylor
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 9 years. Moved from Baltimore for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is average - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are improving. 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. Limited public transit options. Limited shopping options. And safety 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.
18 upvotes
Lydia C.
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
18 upvotes
Mason Brooks
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Eastside) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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
Gianna Martin
I've lived in Oak Park for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- The traffic scene is tough
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
16 upvotes
Nicholas Collins
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The healthcare is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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