Hey, Crime rate is something to consider -Oak Forest sits at 186.6 per 100K. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Any advice would be great.
22 upvotes
9 Replies
Stella Thomas
Used to live on the Meadowbrook side, now on the Springfield side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
39 upvotes
real_lily96
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Highland. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in construction. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
34 upvotes
Chloe G.
interesting, hadn't considered that
34 upvotes
Silas Cruz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 6 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
28 upvotes
Wesley D.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 43, moved here 2 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Fairview and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The housing market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
25 upvotes
Cora Hernandez
hard disagree but ok
21 upvotes
sunny_lucy7
Moved here from Raleigh about 15 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to cultural scene but Hope this helps!.
19 upvotes
Benjamin
I work in marketing here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
19 upvotes
Quinn Johnson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely pretty good and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
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