Longtime lurker here, I grew up here but left for a while. It's a a small town city with about 5,262 people. Crime rate is something to consider -Naples Manor sits at 77.0 per 100K. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks for reading. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
1 upvotes
7 Replies
Sebastian Mitchell
Moved here from San Diego about 11 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but Feel free to reach out with questions..
39 upvotes
Rylee C.
preach
24 upvotes
Joshua K.
Used to live on the Downtown side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
12 upvotes
Daniel K.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely decent and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
10 upvotes
Philip C.
I work in construction here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is solid. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
9 upvotes
Arthur B.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
7 upvotes
Sadie Watson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Oak Park. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in finance. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
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