Anyone else feel this way? The median home value here is around $525,900, which is pretty steep. You can expect to pay around $2,290 for rent here. It's a a small town city with about 8,424 people. The unemployment rate is 4.9%, which is about average. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
7 upvotes
4 Replies
Ariana Ortiz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Austin about 11 years ago. The main reasons were weather and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are competitive, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Reagan Phillips
I've lived in Eastside for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The weather scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
20 upvotes
Evelyn 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 4 years. Moved from Portland for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
legal 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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 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. Can feel isolated. Limited shopping options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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