OK so Crime rate is something to consider -Oak Creek sits at 109.1 per 100K. The median home value here is around $305,100, which seems about average. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Thoughts? Thanks!
7 upvotes
12 Replies
Scarlett Alvarez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 27, moved here 10 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Downtown and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The traffic situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
37 upvotes
Harold H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 7 years. Moved from San Diego for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
finance is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South 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. Nightlife is limited. Limited shopping options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Sophie
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
35 upvotes
Everly Hughes
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 4 years. Moved from San Francisco for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. 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 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are underrated. 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. Limited public transit options. Rising rent and home prices. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Caleb Foster
as a local I can confirm
26 upvotes
Benjamin Lee
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 8 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
22 upvotes
Jason C.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is solid in most areas.
20 upvotes
Jacqueline C.
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much stable but now it's decent.
19 upvotes
Alexa G.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in West. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
9 upvotes
aaron_fan
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
4 upvotes
Maverick P.
yeah no that's not right
2 upvotes
Elena Myers
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Meadowbrook area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.