Hey, We're a young couple and Homes are going for about $247,800 on average. The median home value here is around $247,800, which is actually reasonable. Crime rate is something to consider -Oak Forest sits at 186.6 per 100K. You can expect to pay around $1,287 for rent here. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Worth the trade-offs? The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
18 upvotes
2 Replies
Reagan Jimenez
thanks for sharing
35 upvotes
Carson Howard
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 58, moved here 7 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Springfield and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The community vibe situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for singles. excellent 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 Portland, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
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