Hey everyone, I'm a teacher here and Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
4 upvotes
9 Replies
Angel Sanders
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Meadowbrook area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
39 upvotes
Adam Taylor
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 12 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
38 upvotes
Emily
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
31 upvotes
Avery R.
Totally agree!
24 upvotes
Rebecca W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Tampa about 2 years ago. The main reasons were family and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Affordable housing options
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
22 upvotes
Adam Miller
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 3 years. Moved from LA for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. tech 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 was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is tough - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are surprisingly 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. Urban sprawl is real. Limited high-paying job options. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Aurora Collins
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 4 years. Moved from Seattle for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
tech is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have lakes 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 decent. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Lucas B.
yeah no that's not right
6 upvotes
Harold W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 56, moved here 1 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in South and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The pet-friendliness situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K 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.
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