Curious what people think. I'm originally from Phoenix and With a population of 57,961, Orland Park is a smaller city. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Should I be concerned? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
28 upvotes
24 Replies
Logan Stewart
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if dating scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
38 upvotes
phillymama2025
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Springfield. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in government. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Asian.
No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Stella M.
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The cultural scene is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
John Gutierrez
literally same
34 upvotes
Jeremiah Gonzalez
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Fairview area are underrated. Kids love it here.
32 upvotes
Daniel L.
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
31 upvotes
Eliana Morris
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 8 years. Moved from Atlanta for work. 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 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. education 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are excellent. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited high-paying job options. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Ryan Young
I'm a electrician and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
28 upvotes
Carter
Totally agree!
28 upvotes
Aurora Price
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great Mediterranean places. it's been a really good experience overall.
27 upvotes
Emma Rogers
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
22 upvotes
Mateo Cooper
preach
20 upvotes
Landon Morgan
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
16 upvotes
Justin F.
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The healthcare is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
14 upvotes
Paisley Phillips
lol so true
13 upvotes
Nolan
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely challenging and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
13 upvotes
Cooper Wood
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 54, moved here 11 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Riverside and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good internet infrastructure
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. Winters are long and cold
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The safety situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Phoenix, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
10 upvotes
Zoe J.
Totally agree!
10 upvotes
Sarah Gonzalez
This.
8 upvotes
Joseph S.
wish I knew this sooner
6 upvotes
Chloe Castillo
The food scene here is average. Tons of great craft beer places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
6 upvotes
Joseph B.
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
4 upvotes
Stella Lopez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Eastside. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in consulting. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
3 upvotes
Adrian G.
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great craft beer places. the quality of life is solid.
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