Alright, Been living here since 2011. The median home value here is around $305,100, which seems about average. The unemployment rate is 1.9%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $107,203, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's a a smaller city city with about 92,697 people. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Is this normal for O'Fallon? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development.
18 upvotes
10 Replies
Theodore Carter
I've lived in Uptown for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good airport with direct flights
- The pet-friendliness scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. No regrets on my end..
27 upvotes
Addison Brooks
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 32, moved here 8 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Riverside and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The weather situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Atlanta, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
27 upvotes
Sophia
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 12 years. Moved from Miami for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2017 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. South 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. Rising rent and home prices. Far from beaches/mountains. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Sophia
I've lived in Oak Park for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Close to major attractions
- The school system scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Definitely worth checking out..
24 upvotes
Riley Walker
bump
21 upvotes
Declan Murphy
I work in manufacturing here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is improving. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
18 upvotes
Evelyn Lewis
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Cedar Grove area are solid. Kids love it here.
11 upvotes
Harold D.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely average and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Riverside) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
7 upvotes
Cynthia B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 42, moved here 13 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Highland and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Property taxes are high
3. The cost of living situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Atlanta, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
7 upvotes
Elijah Torres
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 6 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
All Countries
