OK so Homes are going for about $361,200 on average. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. Has anyone dealt with this? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
5 upvotes
9 Replies
Isabelle R.
lol so true
31 upvotes
Autumn
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 3 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
25 upvotes
Rylee G.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
24 upvotes
Easton Cook
Moved here from New York about 12 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to community vibe but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
24 upvotes
Ryan Lewis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 54, moved here 13 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Westside and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The community vibe situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 San Francisco, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K 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.
21 upvotes
Mackenzie Evans
this is the way
16 upvotes
Audrey K.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Minneapolis about 5 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
12 upvotes
Claire Phillips
+1
1 upvotes
Emma Jimenez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Phoenix about 2 years ago. The main reasons were weather and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is solid.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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