Longtime lurker here, Just moved here 6 months ago and The unemployment rate is 2.9%, which is pretty low. It's a a smaller city city with about 25,065 people. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
14 upvotes
13 Replies
Virginia A.
I've lived in North for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The food scene scene is tough
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
36 upvotes
Eleanor G.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to San Francisco it's surprisingly good.
36 upvotes
caroline_mind
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 9 years. Moved from Baltimore for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. West 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Bugs and humidity in summer. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Jacob Brooks
yeah no that's not right
30 upvotes
Angel Thomas
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The food scene is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
28 upvotes
Zoe Alvarez
honestly same experience here
24 upvotes
Aurora
exactly what I was thinking
18 upvotes
Eva Patel
Bought a house here in 2015 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
17 upvotes
Peyton Ward
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 11 years. Moved from Boston for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. tech 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. Oak Park 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. Dating scene is rough. Far from beaches/mountains. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Piper Gomez
Moved here from Baltimore about 6 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to school system but Good luck with whatever you decide..
13 upvotes
Hunter Bailey
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 37, moved here 5 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Riverside and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The public transit situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Atlanta, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
11 upvotes
Mia Mendoza
Bought a house here in 2015 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
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