Been living here since 2019. The median home value here is around $319,000, which seems about average. Rent is about $1,823/month for a decent place. The suburbs are where most families end up. Any advice would be great. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
0 upvotes
17 Replies
oaklandwalker2024
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 31, moved here 4 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Midtown and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The nightlife situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for young professionals. average 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 Raleigh, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K 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.
40 upvotes
Maya N.
good to know, thanks
38 upvotes
William Martinez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
38 upvotes
Aaliyah Robinson
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 LA for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**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 not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is solid - we have ski resorts 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 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited high-paying job options. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Ezra Williams
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Atlanta about 10 years ago. The main reasons were weather and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Affordable housing options
- Good airport with direct flights
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Feel free to reach out with questions..
29 upvotes
Maya Davis
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is housing market. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Alice P.
yep
25 upvotes
Lucy Ramos
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great sushi places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
25 upvotes
Steven S.
thanks for sharing
25 upvotes
Lydia Perez
literally same
23 upvotes
Eliana R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Seattle about 6 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Hope this helps!.
16 upvotes
Owen Davis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 26, moved here 7 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Springfield and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The walkability situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Houston, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
16 upvotes
Waylon Gray
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The walkability is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
14 upvotes
Easton Rodriguez
not my experience at all
12 upvotes
Colton
Moved here last year, no regrets.
9 upvotes
Aaron M.
couldn't agree more
6 upvotes
Brooklyn Taylor
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 53, moved here 11 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Pine Hills and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited shopping options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for families. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
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