Average temperature is around 55--F, so expect cold winters. The median home value here is around $149,500, which is actually reasonable. The unemployment rate is 4.9%, which is about average. Homes are going for about $149,500 on average. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. Thanks in advance! Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
47 upvotes
5 Replies
Nora Peterson
I've lived in Oak Park for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
- The safety scene is tough
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Happy to answer more specific questions..
36 upvotes
David R.
yep
22 upvotes
Santiago Hernandez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 5 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
7 upvotes
Arianna Evans
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 29, moved here 6 years ago from LA. I've lived in Westside and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
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. Road conditions need improvement
3. The school system situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 LA, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K 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.
6 upvotes
Elena Castillo
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
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