Hey folks, I'm a remote worker and It's a a small town city with about 13,223 people. Homes are going for about $169,300 on average. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Am I overthinking this? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
4 upvotes
12 Replies
Levi Evans
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Springfield area are challenging. Kids love it here.
33 upvotes
Harper T.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Lakewood. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in consulting. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
32 upvotes
Nicholas
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
26 upvotes
Christian Morales
Moved here from Charlotte about 3 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to traffic but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
21 upvotes
Lucy 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 2 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have rivers 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 decent. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Property taxes are high. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
19 upvotes
Dylan Patel
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great sushi places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
12 upvotes
raised_brooks63
yeah no that's not right
11 upvotes
Mia Ross
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is school system. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
9 upvotes
David Jimenez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 12 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
9 upvotes
Cameron Hughes
The food scene here is average. Tons of great Southern places. I love the pace of life here.
3 upvotes
Roman Robinson
Saving this thread
0 upvotes
Sofia Martin
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
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