Anyone else feel this way? We have two kids and Poverty rate is 18.9%, which is higher than I expected. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Anyone in a similar situation?
0 upvotes
15 Replies
native_isabella67
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 4 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
34 upvotes
Roger S.
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.
26 upvotes
maya_walker
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Pine Hills area are tough. Kids love it here.
23 upvotes
Brandon M.
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 5 years. Moved from Nashville for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
consulting 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 national forests 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 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
urban_roman75
same here
18 upvotes
Caleb Cooper
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. food scene used to be much wild but now it's underrated.
18 upvotes
Kayden Collins
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Dallas about 8 years ago. The main reasons were family and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are growing, gas is improving.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. No regrets on my end..
13 upvotes
Eli Collins
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
13 upvotes
Isla
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
8 upvotes
Kaylee M.
wish I knew this sooner
8 upvotes
James Lee
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much stable but now it's average.
5 upvotes
Julian
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 3 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
5 upvotes
Lily Williams
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
2 upvotes
Theodore
Bought a house here in 2020 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
1 upvotes
Leo James
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
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