Hey everyone, We have two kids and Median household income is $51,815, which feels on the lower side for the area. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. What neighborhoods would you suggest?
7 upvotes
5 Replies
Jack C.
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 6 years. Moved from Tampa for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have hiking 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 average. 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. Property taxes are high. Limited entertainment options. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Nathan C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 2 years. Moved from Seattle for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2021 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown 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. Rising rent and home prices. Chain restaurants dominate. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Adrian Lee
spot on
17 upvotes
Piper Anderson
Totally agree!
11 upvotes
Emma Peterson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 10 years. Moved from New York for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. retail 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:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Lakewood schools are tough. 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. Nightlife is limited. Road conditions need improvement. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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