I relocated for work and Poverty rate is 11.0%, which is around average. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
15 upvotes
11 Replies
Waylon Adams
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 10 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
35 upvotes
Noah E.
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Oak Park area are underrated. Kids love it here.
28 upvotes
Quinn Hernandez
I've lived in Old Town for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The nightlife scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Definitely worth checking out..
25 upvotes
Gianna C.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
19 upvotes
Camila C.
I work in consulting here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is improving. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
19 upvotes
Austin Brown
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 15 years. Moved from Boston for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2020 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. finance 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 underrated - we have state parks 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 average. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Bugs and humidity in summer. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Claire Smith
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
15 upvotes
Nolan Morris
Bought a house here in 2023 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
12 upvotes
Sebastian Campbell
Saving this thread
5 upvotes
Nolan James
Bought a house here in 2020 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
All Countries
