Hey folks, Born and raised here. It's a a small town city with about 5,544 people. The unemployment rate is 1.3%, which is pretty low. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. Should I be concerned? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
1 upvotes
11 Replies
Ethan Parker
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in South area are excellent. Kids love it here.
39 upvotes
emmett_heart
I've lived in Oak Park for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options
- The healthcare scene is average
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Hope this helps!.
28 upvotes
Amy W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 15 years. Moved from Phoenix for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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 pretty good. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Dating scene is rough. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Michael F.
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The safety is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
27 upvotes
Noah P.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
21 upvotes
Claire Roberts
This.
17 upvotes
Everly
this is the way
9 upvotes
Owen K.
I've lived in Highland for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- The food scene scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
8 upvotes
Peyton
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
8 upvotes
Greyson Chavez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 9 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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