OK so Median household income is $105,301, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's a a smaller city city with about 91,375 people. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Any advice would be great. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
20 upvotes
11 Replies
Evan Cook
I work in government here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is tough. Definitely worth checking out..
33 upvotes
dallasfan2023
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
31 upvotes
Waylon Morales
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
27 upvotes
Allison Hernandez
good to know, thanks
24 upvotes
columbus_ava
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 51, moved here 8 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in South and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The walkability situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Chicago, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
22 upvotes
Austin Brooks
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 10 years. Moved from Chicago for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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 solid. 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 a lot of cultural diversity. Bugs and humidity in summer. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
19 upvotes
Ariana Scott
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 12 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
18 upvotes
Maya Rivera
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much growing but now it's underrated.
15 upvotes
Everly
Moved here from New York about 9 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to safety but No regrets on my end..
3 upvotes
Emily
exactly what I was thinking
1 upvotes
James Gomez
I've lived in The Heights for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Active local events and festivals
- The healthcare scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited entertainment options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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