Anyone else feel this way? I'm retired and Poverty rate is 3.5%, which is pretty low. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Should I be concerned?
11 upvotes
7 Replies
Elijah Nelson
I'm a real estate agent and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
30 upvotes
Alexa Mitchell
Bought a house here in 2018 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
28 upvotes
Levi C.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want healthcare, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
26 upvotes
Cooper Scott
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 12 years. Moved from Atlanta for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
retail is strong here. construction 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are hit or miss. 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 housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Emilia Phillips
100%
14 upvotes
Luna
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (North) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
13 upvotes
Leonardo Lewis
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Oak Park area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
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