Been meaning to ask this. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Let me know your thoughts. Any help is appreciated.
11 upvotes
20 Replies
Isaac Jones
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 1 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
33 upvotes
Brooks Torres
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
29 upvotes
Violet
I've lived in North for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- The housing market scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
28 upvotes
Elijah Howard
I work in healthcare here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is pretty good. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
25 upvotes
Aubrey Long
100%
25 upvotes
Carter Carter
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
22 upvotes
real_serenity46
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. No regrets on my end..
21 upvotes
Frances H.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from San Diego about 8 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is decent.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
21 upvotes
Maya
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The dating scene is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
19 upvotes
Xavier Jones
I'm a electrician and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
18 upvotes
Kinsley Gonzalez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Baltimore about 1 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are stable, gas is tough.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
18 upvotes
Nevaeh Castillo
honestly same experience here
18 upvotes
Eva
good to know, thanks
18 upvotes
adeline_guy
I work in construction here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is solid. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
16 upvotes
Kayden Gutierrez
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great craft beer places. I have mixed feelings honestly.
14 upvotes
Naomi A.
exactly what I was thinking
12 upvotes
Roy M.
thanks for sharing
8 upvotes
sunny_lucas44
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 11 years. Moved from Atlanta for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2020 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:**
manufacturing is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is average - 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 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. Property taxes are high. Dating scene is rough. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
Camila Morris
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Uptown area are improving. Kids love it here.
4 upvotes
Jose Kelly
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
All Countries
