Not sure if this has been asked before, but Crime rate is something to consider -Oak Lawn sits at 149.9 per 100K. Household incomes average around $82,493 in Oak Lawn. Homes are going for about $267,900 on average. The unemployment rate is 3.2%, which is pretty low. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. What would you do? The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development.
10 upvotes
16 Replies
Carson Bennett
great question, following
40 upvotes
Nova
been saying this for years
37 upvotes
Christian
hmm interesting perspective
36 upvotes
Mackenzie Ramirez
I've lived in West for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The safety scene is improving
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Definitely worth checking out..
34 upvotes
Sofia Brown
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
34 upvotes
Serenity Gomez
nah I disagree
34 upvotes
Zoey
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Oak Park area are excellent. Kids love it here.
33 upvotes
Julian
This.
32 upvotes
Ella M.
lol so true
29 upvotes
Jonathan
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much developing but now it's underrated.
24 upvotes
detroitwalker2026
I work in finance here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is excellent. Good luck with whatever you decide..
22 upvotes
Caroline Murphy
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great Korean places. the quality of life is solid.
20 upvotes
Gabriel
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 12 years. Moved from San Diego for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Cedar Grove schools are decent. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Chain restaurants dominate. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Madelyn Wood
Used to live on the Cedar Grove side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
14 upvotes
Patricia H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 6 years. Moved from Dallas for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
real estate is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside 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. Limited entertainment options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
All Countries
