I'm retired and Average temperature is around 55--F, so expect cold winters. It's a a smaller city city with about 81,591 people. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
7 upvotes
9 Replies
Richard C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Dallas about 1 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good airport with direct flights
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are pricey, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
37 upvotes
Hannah Sanchez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is improving in most areas.
34 upvotes
Sebastian Rivera
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 48, moved here 5 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in North and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Summers can be brutally hot
3. The healthcare situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Seattle, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
33 upvotes
Caroline Ramirez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Midtown. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in marketing. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
27 upvotes
tucsonfan2021
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
25 upvotes
Jeremiah Martin
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Riverside) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
22 upvotes
Ariana L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 40, moved here 15 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Eastside and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The traffic situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for young professionals. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
15 upvotes
Elizabeth K.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Dallas it's underrated.
7 upvotes
Jackson Young
I've lived in Oak Park for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
- The public transit scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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