Longtime lurker here, I've been here for 18 years and Homes are going for about $199,900 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Normal sits at 276.3 per 100K. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Thoughts? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
20 upvotes
11 Replies
Piper Wilson
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
40 upvotes
Avery Mitchell
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 5 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into running, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
38 upvotes
Maya
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The pet-friendliness is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
35 upvotes
Aubrey Kelly
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want weather, then yeah this place is great. But if community vibe matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
24 upvotes
Autumn Martin
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor recreation is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
23 upvotes
Axel James
seconding this
17 upvotes
native_evan65
been saying this for years
11 upvotes
Dylan Nelson
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 family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2021 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have biking trails 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 tough. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Dating scene is rough. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Oliver Peterson
following this thread
6 upvotes
Benjamin Reed
I've lived in Old Town for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
- The healthcare scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
4 upvotes
Jaxon Turner
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 13 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. tech 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is tough - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are pretty 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Rising rent and home prices. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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