Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm single, late 50s, and Crime rate is something to consider -Powell sits at 348.7 per 100K. The city has invested a lot in new development. Let me know your thoughts. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
3 upvotes
10 Replies
Victoria Cox
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 49, moved here 2 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Lakewood and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The walkability situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Boston, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
35 upvotes
Caroline Cook
following this thread
33 upvotes
Elena T.
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 9 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have state parks 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 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Not very walkable outside downtown. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
born_greyson38
thanks for sharing
23 upvotes
mesa_bella
Came here for work and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The housing market is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
19 upvotes
Joseph King
Bought a house here in 2019 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
16 upvotes
James Brown
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
16 upvotes
Kayden J.
Can confirm, been here 14 years.
14 upvotes
Katherine Green
accurate
11 upvotes
Nathan Jones
Came here for school and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The community vibe is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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