I'm a remote worker and Rent is about $676/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 75--F, so it's warm year-round. It's a a small town city with about 16,449 people. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
Pros:
- Lots of new development
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong sense of community
- Plenty of shopping options
Cons:
- Cold winters
- Limited nightlife
- Sprawl everywhere
- Poor road conditions
Would love some local perspective. Thanks in advance! The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
2 upvotes
15 Replies
Xavier King
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Austin it's challenging.
30 upvotes
Isaiah Peterson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Austin it's challenging.
23 upvotes
Julian T.
accurate
22 upvotes
John Evans
good to know, thanks
20 upvotes
Brooks K.
This.
20 upvotes
Valentina Wood
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 7 years. Moved from Miami for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2017 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. hospitality 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. Highland 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. Nightlife is limited. Far from beaches/mountains. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Nolan Ruiz
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want outdoor recreation, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
11 upvotes
Parker Stewart
following this thread
8 upvotes
Sophie Ward
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 14 years. Moved from Atlanta for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
healthcare 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is decent - we have rivers 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 excellent. 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. Dating scene is rough. Bugs and humidity in summer. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Billy J.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
6 upvotes
Anna N.
I'm a writer and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
6 upvotes
David M.
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The housing market is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
5 upvotes
Natalie Martinez
thanks for sharing
5 upvotes
Landon Turner
Moved here from Boston about 11 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to community vibe but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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