So, We're a young couple and Average temperature is around 58--F, so the weather is moderate. It's a a smaller city city with about 32,139 people. With a population of 32,139, O'Fallon is a smaller city. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. Worth the trade-offs? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
14 upvotes
26 Replies
Olivia Kim
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 9 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
40 upvotes
Beverly W.
yeah no that's not right
38 upvotes
Gabriella Ramirez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Eastside. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in government. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
37 upvotes
Ian Wright
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
37 upvotes
Violet M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 6 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
34 upvotes
Genesis Green
I'm a real estate agent and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
32 upvotes
Lucy Clark
Can confirm, been here 6 years.
32 upvotes
olivia_soul
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in West. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Asian.
No regrets on my end..
32 upvotes
Mia Flores
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community vibe is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
31 upvotes
Hazel Gonzalez
spot on
26 upvotes
eva_life
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
24 upvotes
Leo Morris
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Definitely worth checking out..
22 upvotes
atlwalker2023
this is the way
21 upvotes
Ryan H.
I work in retail here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is tough. Feel free to reach out with questions..
20 upvotes
Waylon Cox
couldn't agree more
17 upvotes
Reagan Johnson
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is dating scene. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
14 upvotes
Reagan Moore
seconding this
12 upvotes
Riley
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 1 years. Moved from Boston for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. real estate 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 lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are challenging. 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. Limited high-paying job options. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Sophia Ross
been saying this for years
8 upvotes
Eleanor Brown
Moved here from LA about 9 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to nightlife but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
6 upvotes
Adam Lee
I'm a sales manager and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
4 upvotes
Joseph Cox
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Chicago about 12 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is average.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
3 upvotes
Ezekiel Scott
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
2 upvotes
Valentina Lee
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
1 upvotes
Easton Wilson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Phoenix about 13 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is average.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. No regrets on my end..
1 upvotes
Kyle C.
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 3 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
real estate is strong here. legal 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have rivers 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 pretty good. 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. Property taxes are high. Limited entertainment options. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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