Hey everyone, We have two kids and Average temperature is around 73--F, so it's warm year-round. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up.
8 upvotes
7 Replies
Miles
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 37, moved here 12 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in West and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The public transit situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
39 upvotes
Evan Lopez
haha yep pretty much
38 upvotes
Roman H.
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Riverside area are excellent. Kids love it here.
37 upvotes
indy_andrew
bump
29 upvotes
Eliana D.
+1
20 upvotes
nyc_mia
I've lived in Oak Park for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
- The public transit scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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