Curious what people think. My partner and I are Homes are going for about $541,400 on average. Poverty rate is 5.2%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Appreciate any input.
3 upvotes
13 Replies
Emma Collins
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Sunset. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
Lucas R.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Baltimore it's decent.
36 upvotes
Alan W.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Portland it's underrated.
35 upvotes
Elizabeth Williams
I've lived in North for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
- The school system scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Feel free to reach out with questions..
31 upvotes
Edward M.
spot on
27 upvotes
Adam Garcia
100%
26 upvotes
Victoria Scott
good to know, thanks
19 upvotes
Ariana
thanks for sharing
15 upvotes
Katherine Jimenez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in East. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in finance. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Southern.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
14 upvotes
Easton Peterson
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The walkability is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
10 upvotes
Dylan Ortiz
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 12 years. Moved from Charlotte for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is solid - we have ski resorts 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 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. Winters are long and cold. Rising rent and home prices. And healthcare 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.
9 upvotes
Theodore
nah I disagree
3 upvotes
Asher Taylor
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 45, moved here 14 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Westside and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The safety situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for retirees. solid vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Baltimore, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
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