Not sure if this has been asked before, but My partner and I are Median household income is $49,821, which feels on the lower side for the area. You can expect to pay around $762 for rent here. Crime rate is something to consider -Oelwein sits at 305.8 per 100K. Homes are going for about $96,800 on average. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
7 upvotes
3 Replies
Madeline C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in East. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
38 upvotes
Hazel Jimenez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Oak Park for 7 years. Moved from Dallas for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Oak Park 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. Winters are long and cold. Not very walkable outside downtown. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Kaylee Carter
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The public transit is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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