OK so I'm a remote worker and With a population of 7,492, New London is a small town. Homes are going for about $162,800 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -New London sits at 98.3 per 100K. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Is this normal for New London? Appreciate any input. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up.
6 upvotes
5 Replies
Cooper R.
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much competitive but now it's better than expected.
39 upvotes
fresnonative2025
I'm a chef and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
32 upvotes
Addison Cox
I work in government here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is decent. Good luck with whatever you decide..
10 upvotes
charlotte_arianna
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The dating scene is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
7 upvotes
Kai James
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 Charlotte for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. government 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 better than expected - 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. Oak Park schools are better than expected. 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. Property taxes are high. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.