Hi all, I'm single, late 40s, and You can expect to pay around $811 for rent here. Average temperature is around 60--F, so the weather is moderate. It's a a small town city with about 19,893 people. With a population of 19,893, Plainview is a small town. Rent is about $811/month for a decent place. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. Has anyone dealt with this? The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
7 upvotes
2 Replies
Sophie Gonzalez
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 5 years. Moved from Phoenix for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have desert landscapes 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 pretty good. 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 a lot of cultural diversity. Can feel isolated. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Violet Torres
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely pretty good and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.