Been meaning to ask this. I'm single, late 50s, and Poverty rate is 0.6%, which is pretty low. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Am I overthinking this? Thanks in advance! It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
14 upvotes
10 Replies
Aurora Parker
it depends on the neighborhood
38 upvotes
Timothy L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 42, moved here 9 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Sunset and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The public transit situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Seattle, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
37 upvotes
Alexander Nguyen
I've lived in Oak Park 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 San Francisco, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
- The public transit scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
34 upvotes
Katherine Baker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from San Diego about 13 years ago. The main reasons were family and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is average.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Good luck with whatever you decide..
30 upvotes
Axel
as a local I can confirm
20 upvotes
Sophia Morris
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
15 upvotes
Jaxon Murphy
I've lived in Greenfield for about 15 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 Austin, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good airport with direct flights
- The traffic scene is tough
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
7 upvotes
Reagan Moore
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
5 upvotes
Olivia Bennett
noted, appreciate it
1 upvotes
Leah Lee
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
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