OK so The unemployment rate is 5.4%, which is about average. With a population of 1,222, Purdy is a small town. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
9 upvotes
10 Replies
Delilah King
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 30, moved here 4 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Greenfield and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The traffic situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for remote workers. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 San Francisco, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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
Aaron M.
Came here for cost of living and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The nightlife is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
37 upvotes
Olivia F.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Oak Park. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in consulting. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
35 upvotes
Aria Jones
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great BBQ places. the quality of life is solid.
32 upvotes
Nolan Kim
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely challenging and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Springfield) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
32 upvotes
Roman Anderson
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 Denver for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have rivers 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 better than expected. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Homeless population growing downtown. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Greyson Jackson
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want healthcare, then yeah this place is great. But if community vibe matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
22 upvotes
Landon King
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great Mexican places. it exceeded my expectations.
11 upvotes
Olivia
Bought a house here in 2024 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
6 upvotes
Mason Scott
I've lived in Old Town for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- The school system scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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