I'm retired and Household incomes average around $108,026 in Oak Park. With a population of 53,315, Oak Park is a smaller city. The suburbs are where most families end up. TIA! The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
16 upvotes
27 Replies
James D.
hmm interesting perspective
40 upvotes
Eliana Davis
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is average in most areas.
39 upvotes
Elena
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The cultural scene is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
37 upvotes
Valentina
Moved here from Dallas about 8 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to walkability but Definitely worth checking out..
36 upvotes
Scarlett Smith
great question, following
30 upvotes
Delilah Edwards
preach
28 upvotes
Genesis Nguyen
Moved here from Charlotte about 10 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to traffic but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
mesaliving2023
haha yep pretty much
24 upvotes
mesa_everly
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 2 years. Moved from Dallas for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. tech 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are improving. 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. Limited public transit options. Winters are long and cold. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Victoria Foster
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
20 upvotes
Ruby Campbell
thanks for sharing
20 upvotes
Ryan Castillo
I've lived in Lakewood for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The walkability scene is average
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
19 upvotes
Evan Diaz
thanks for sharing
19 upvotes
Evelyn Carter
Moved here from Nashville about 14 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to healthcare but Definitely worth checking out..
17 upvotes
charlottelover2020
hmm interesting perspective
17 upvotes
Aurora C.
it depends on the neighborhood
17 upvotes
Michael Ross
honestly same experience here
15 upvotes
Jayden Davis
This.
13 upvotes
Barbara S.
I work in hospitality here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is pretty good. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
13 upvotes
Greyson King
I work in real estate here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Good luck with whatever you decide..
12 upvotes
raleigh_abigail
exactly what I was thinking
11 upvotes
Reagan Alvarez
I've lived in Lakewood for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- The cultural scene scene is solid
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Good luck with whatever you decide..
10 upvotes
Cora
same here
7 upvotes
Rachel K.
not my experience at all
6 upvotes
Camila Chavez
lol so true
5 upvotes
Caroline
hmm interesting perspective
3 upvotes
Valentina Peterson
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The weather is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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