Just moved here 1 months ago and It's a a small town city with about 8,004 people. The median home value here is around $448,000, which is pretty steep. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. What are your go-to spots? Appreciate any input. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
2 upvotes
13 Replies
Emma Thompson
Came here for family and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
36 upvotes
Jackson Bailey
wish I knew this sooner
29 upvotes
Megan G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 12 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
29 upvotes
Reagan
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Portland about 7 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Happy to answer more specific questions..
29 upvotes
Evan Reed
as a local I can confirm
26 upvotes
Kayden
glad someone said it
25 upvotes
Wesley Garcia
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Lakewood area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
21 upvotes
Dylan
+1
21 upvotes
Brooklyn
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 32, moved here 6 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Springfield and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Property taxes are high
3. The cost of living situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Boston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
11 upvotes
James F.
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
10 upvotes
Vivian Davis
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
7 upvotes
Willie D.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
2 upvotes
Nora Garcia
I've lived in Oak Park for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Affordable housing options
- The pet-friendliness scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Feel free to reach out with questions..
All Countries
