Rent is about $3,146/month for a decent place. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. TIA! Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
1 upvotes
4 Replies
Lucas M.
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
36 upvotes
raleighguy2021
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 10 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
15 upvotes
Emilia J.
big facts right here
6 upvotes
Karen M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 14 years. Moved from Denver for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. retail 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. North schools are improving. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. Far from beaches/mountains. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.