So, I relocated for work and Homes are going for about $247,800 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Oak Forest sits at 186.6 per 100K. Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. You can expect to pay around $1,287 for rent here. With a population of 26,888, Oak Forest is a smaller city. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. What do you all think? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
3 upvotes
13 Replies
Adeline Lewis
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 14 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. marketing 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have national forests 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 surprisingly 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. Winters are long and cold. Bugs and humidity in summer. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Madelyn
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in West area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
34 upvotes
Owen R.
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The school system is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
33 upvotes
Theodore Harris
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Dallas about 14 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Affordable housing options
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are stable, gas is decent.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Happy to answer more specific questions..
31 upvotes
Cora Wright
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
29 upvotes
Hazel Castillo
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Good luck with whatever you decide..
23 upvotes
Evan
I'm a social worker and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
23 upvotes
Brielle H.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
21 upvotes
Hudson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Pittsburgh it's improving.
18 upvotes
Jace Hill
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Boston about 15 years ago. The main reasons were weather and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is improving.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
17 upvotes
Declan W.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is school system. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
15 upvotes
Wesley Roberts
Saving this thread
12 upvotes
Evan Diaz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 7 years. Moved from Minneapolis for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. 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 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. construction 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 improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is decent - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are challenging. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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