Hi all, I relocated for work and With a population of 9,307, Laurens is a small town. Median household income is $55,207, which feels about average for the area. You can expect to pay around $795 for rent here. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
8 upvotes
3 Replies
Asher Mendoza
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 7 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Winters are long and cold
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are wild, gas is underrated.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
31 upvotes
Jack
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 14 years. Moved from Phoenix for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is decent - we have lakes 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 challenging. 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. Winters are long and cold. Road conditions need improvement. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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