Hello, I'm a 52-year-old electrician and Median household income is $45,097, which feels on the lower side for the area. The unemployment rate is 4.8%, which is about average. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
16 upvotes
11 Replies
Josiah Morgan
interesting, hadn't considered that
40 upvotes
Diana P.
I've lived in Oak Park for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Diverse dining options
- The dating scene scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Definitely worth checking out..
38 upvotes
Jaxon Smith
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 36, moved here 13 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Westside and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The school system situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Nashville, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
33 upvotes
Ellie Murphy
I've lived in Westside for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The healthcare scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
30 upvotes
Brielle Jimenez
This.
25 upvotes
Arianna W.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 12 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
24 upvotes
John Carter
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
16 upvotes
Elijah Robinson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 8 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
7 upvotes
Noah R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 11 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
7 upvotes
Leonardo Sanchez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
7 upvotes
Reagan Lee
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely tough and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe 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.
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