Curious what people think. I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Homes are going for about $502,500 on average. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
13 upvotes
6 Replies
Caroline E.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 55, moved here 3 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Downtown and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Limited shopping options
3. The cost of living situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for young professionals. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Raleigh, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
40 upvotes
Eliana Roberts
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the Springfield side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
30 upvotes
Leo Taylor
Used to live on the West side, now on the Eastside side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
24 upvotes
Cameron Bailey
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
6 upvotes
Colton Taylor
thanks for sharing
6 upvotes
Gabriella A.
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 Minneapolis for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2018 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is pretty 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 underrated. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Property taxes are high. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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