Random thought, Been living here since 2011. It's a a smaller city city with about 41,305 people. Household incomes average around $151,235 in Milton. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. What do you all think? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
9 upvotes
2 Replies
mateo_heart
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 5 years. Moved from Raleigh for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2023 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:**
legal is strong here. manufacturing 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is pretty good - 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. Oak Park schools are underrated. 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. Property taxes are high. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Adeline Hughes
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Portland about 7 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is decent.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Happy to answer more specific questions..