So, Does this match your experience? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
18 upvotes
30 Replies
Kayden Mendoza
seconding this
40 upvotes
Audrey Bailey
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
39 upvotes
Vivian Phillips
I've lived in Oak Park for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
- The weather scene is decent
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
39 upvotes
Ann P.
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
32 upvotes
Aurora Mendoza
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in East. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
31 upvotes
Nicholas R.
Used to live on the Uptown side, now on the Downtown side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
30 upvotes
Thomas R.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
29 upvotes
jaxmama2024
I've lived in North for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
- The safety scene is decent
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
28 upvotes
Clara Turner
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 10 years. Moved from LA for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Sunset schools are surprisingly 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. Limited high-paying job options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, 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.
26 upvotes
Easton
thanks for sharing
26 upvotes
Joshua Howard
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Nashville it's decent.
24 upvotes
Samuel Morris
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Hope this helps!.
23 upvotes
Thomas Jackson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 6 years. Moved from Denver for work. 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Cedar Grove 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. Winters are long and cold. Nightlife is limited. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Eli D.
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
19 upvotes
Isaiah Scott
Can confirm, been here 10 years.
19 upvotes
Sarah
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
17 upvotes
Sophia Adams
thanks for sharing
15 upvotes
Maya Green
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. No regrets on my end..
14 upvotes
Cora C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Raleigh about 7 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is decent.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
13 upvotes
Lillian
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
9 upvotes
Aiden
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Downtown. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in government. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
9 upvotes
Leah Parker
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Eastside. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in government. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Hope this helps!.
9 upvotes
Brooklyn Sanders
nah I disagree
9 upvotes
Clara A.
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great craft beer places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
7 upvotes
Mateo Perez
noted, appreciate it
7 upvotes
local_emily78
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 53, moved here 10 years ago from New York. I've lived in West and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Can feel isolated
3. The public transit situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 New York, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
7 upvotes
Nevaeh T.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Chicago about 8 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are established, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Good luck with whatever you decide..
6 upvotes
Axel R.
hmm interesting perspective
5 upvotes
Adrian Carter
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
2 upvotes
Lydia Green
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Boston it's surprisingly good.
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