OK so I'm a 22-year-old chef and Household incomes average around $136,071 in Mission Viejo. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
0 upvotes
7 Replies
raleighdude2024
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great BBQ places. it exceeded my expectations.
36 upvotes
Easton Rodriguez
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 3 years. Moved from Raleigh for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. hospitality 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have ski resorts 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Bugs and humidity in summer. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Maya Sanders
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 39, moved here 12 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Pine Hills and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The job market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
23 upvotes
Isaiah Martinez
I work in hospitality here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is excellent. Definitely worth checking out..
13 upvotes
austin_lillian
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely tough and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (East) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
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