Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Am I wrong here? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
47 upvotes
17 Replies
Sophie Rivera
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is weather. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
40 upvotes
Alan C.
Moved here from San Francisco about 8 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to traffic but Feel free to reach out with questions..
39 upvotes
Carter Foster
I've lived in Oak Park for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- The housing market scene is improving
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Isaac Jimenez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
36 upvotes
Anna F.
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is housing market. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
35 upvotes
mackenzie_life
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
33 upvotes
Daniel
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
31 upvotes
Leonardo Jackson
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Downtown area are improving. Kids love it here.
20 upvotes
Amelia Hill
yep
17 upvotes
Nova Adams
nah I disagree
13 upvotes
Owen O.
Used to live on the Westside side, now on the North side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
12 upvotes
Declan
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Baltimore about 1 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is average.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
10 upvotes
Owen Cook
literally same
7 upvotes
Kayden Ward
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
5 upvotes
Audrey Gutierrez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 6 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is improving - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are solid. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Chain restaurants dominate. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
Christian Price
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
5 upvotes
Luke Ruiz
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone about the same since then.
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