Not sure if this has been asked before, but Poverty rate is 13.6%, which is around average. Rent is about $951/month for a decent place. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Let me know your thoughts. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to.
48 upvotes
13 Replies
Abigail S.
I'm a software engineer and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
39 upvotes
Sadie Brown
Moved here from Charlotte about 2 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
36 upvotes
Gabriel
Used to live on the West side, now on the Highland side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
33 upvotes
Lily Gonzalez
I'm a project manager and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
27 upvotes
Gabriella Myers
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Westside area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
25 upvotes
Gabriella Edwards
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 2 years. Moved from Seattle for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are average. 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. Property taxes are high. Dating scene is rough. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Greyson Kelly
wish I knew this sooner
24 upvotes
Grace Johnson
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
22 upvotes
Aria Sanders
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 7 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
20 upvotes
Michael Morris
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Tampa about 15 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is average.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Good luck with whatever you decide..
19 upvotes
Charles W.
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The pet-friendliness is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
8 upvotes
Amy W.
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 3 years. Moved from Boston for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2021 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have lakes 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 better than expected. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Bugs and humidity in summer. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes
Nova Mitchell
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 11 years. Moved from Houston for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2016 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. engineering 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 hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are better than expected. 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. Property taxes are high. Far from beaches/mountains. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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