Alright, Been living here since 2023. Household incomes average around $171,766 in Olney. Rent is about $2,409/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 2.8%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $2,409 for rent here. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Thanks for reading. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development.
9 upvotes
5 Replies
Dylan B.
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Highland area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
39 upvotes
Katherine Johnson
I'm a electrician and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
37 upvotes
chicago_nora
I work in retail here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is decent. Happy to answer more specific questions..
33 upvotes
Jacob Bailey
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 1 years. Moved from Atlanta for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2016 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is improving - we have biking 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 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Can feel isolated. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Carson White
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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