OK so Any help is appreciated. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up.
14 upvotes
3 Replies
Adam B.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
30 upvotes
Madeline
I'm a electrician and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
21 upvotes
Luca R.
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 school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. healthcare 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'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is decent - we have national forests 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. Road conditions need improvement. Homeless population growing downtown. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.