Military spouse here. It's a a small town city with about 16,365 people. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
13 upvotes
6 Replies
Naomi
I've lived in Fairview for about 4 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 Seattle, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The walkability scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
37 upvotes
Frances M.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
35 upvotes
Caroline Mendoza
I've lived in West for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- The housing market scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Definitely worth checking out..
18 upvotes
Piper Torres
bump
8 upvotes
Roman Peterson
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 Miami for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2020 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have biking trails 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 excellent. 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. Can feel isolated. Homeless population growing downtown. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Clara W.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if nightlife matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
All Countries
