I'm retired and The median home value here is around $148,300, which is actually reasonable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. Thoughts? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
15 upvotes
12 Replies
Vivian Chavez
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 Tampa for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2019 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is pretty good - 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 solid. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Not very walkable outside downtown. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
ezra_lover
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
29 upvotes
Wesley L.
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The school system is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
29 upvotes
Emilia S.
Totally agree!
29 upvotes
Everly Hill
exactly what I was thinking
28 upvotes
denver_logan
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Midtown. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Definitely worth checking out..
24 upvotes
Vivian Cruz
I've lived in Old Town for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
- The traffic scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
22 upvotes
Willow Torres
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Atlanta it's surprisingly good.
18 upvotes
cincyrider2024
+1
17 upvotes
Luke Flores
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
16 upvotes
Leo Morris
This.
14 upvotes
Lydia Clark
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
All Countries
