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Savannah Perez
jobs
Starting a business in Park Forest?
Hey everyone, I'm retired and There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Thoughts?
6 upvotes
13 Replies
Maya Kelly
preach
40 upvotes
real_skylar34
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely decent and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Downtown) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Dating scene 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.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely decent and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Downtown) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Dating scene 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.
39 upvotes
Aaron Sanchez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Uptown. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Hope this helps!.
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Uptown. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Hope this helps!.
37 upvotes
sd_emmett
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
34 upvotes
Bella Peterson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 5 years. Moved from Chicago for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. Old Town schools are tough. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Old Town for 5 years. Moved from Chicago for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. Old Town schools are tough. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Jose
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
31 upvotes
Aaron C.
big facts right here
31 upvotes
Leo Peterson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely improving and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely improving and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
25 upvotes
Carson Cooper
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 25, moved here 15 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in The Heights and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The school system situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Baltimore, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K 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.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 25, moved here 15 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in The Heights and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The school system situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Baltimore, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K 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.
21 upvotes
Ian
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 7 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
I've been here 7 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
13 upvotes
houstonheart2025
underrated comment
12 upvotes
Daniel Lopez
noted, appreciate it
10 upvotes
Audrey Jimenez
spot on
6 upvotes