Anyone else feel this way? Crime rate is something to consider -Marietta sits at 427.2 per 100K. Median household income is $70,086, which feels about average for the area. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Has anyone dealt with this? The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to.
24 upvotes
11 Replies
Joseph Ward
I've lived in West for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong sense of community
- The food scene scene is tough
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. No regrets on my end..
40 upvotes
Evan Hill
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 11 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
38 upvotes
Stella F.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Definitely worth checking out..
33 upvotes
kai_soul
wish I knew this sooner
28 upvotes
Caleb King
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely pretty good and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (West) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
20 upvotes
Ralph W.
preach
13 upvotes
Roman Peterson
+1
9 upvotes
Wyatt Baker
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 10 years. Moved from Raleigh for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have state parks 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 pretty good. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Urban sprawl is real. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Bella Anderson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 8 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into running, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
5 upvotes
Alexa
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
1 upvotes
Jace Turner
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
All Countries
