Curious what people think. You can expect to pay around $3,150 for rent here. Homes are going for about $1,017,100 on average. The unemployment rate is 3.6%, which is pretty low. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Is this normal for Oak Park? Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development.
7 upvotes
2 Replies
Bennett S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 42, moved here 8 years ago from New York. I've lived in Pine Hills and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The healthcare situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 New York, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K 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.
30 upvotes
native_avery17
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 7 years. Moved from Baltimore for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2018 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. healthcare 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:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. Fairview schools are hit or miss. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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