What Orland Park does better than anywhere else

Nora Roberts Jun 6, 2025

OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a lawyer, 58, moved here 4 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Downtown and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The housing market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K 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.

27 upvotes