So, Military spouse here. You can expect to pay around $861 for rent here. The food scene here is surprisingly good. What would you do? Thanks!
17 upvotes
18 Replies
Adrian R.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
40 upvotes
Violet
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
40 upvotes
Steven S.
hmm interesting perspective
37 upvotes
Jayden Morales
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
37 upvotes
river_eleanor73
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 1 years. Moved from San Francisco for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. healthcare 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 genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Fairview schools are excellent. 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. Limited shopping options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Caleb Morgan
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want weather, then yeah this place is great. But if cultural scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
28 upvotes
Harper Diaz
nah I disagree
26 upvotes
Kayden Thomas
preach
26 upvotes
Caleb Diaz
I've lived in North for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Phoenix, 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
- Strong job market in several industries
- The outdoor recreation scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Good luck with whatever you decide..
26 upvotes
Anna Gomez
same here
25 upvotes
Greyson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. No regrets on my end..
22 upvotes
Leonardo Flores
I'm a writer and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
21 upvotes
Lily Martin
as a local I can confirm
18 upvotes
zoey_chef
I'm a data analyst and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
18 upvotes
Mackenzie Ortiz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely average and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (South) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
13 upvotes
Willow Price
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
4 upvotes
Weston Reed
I've lived in Oak Park for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The outdoor recreation scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Hope this helps!.
1 upvotes
liam_vibes
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..