Hey folks, I grew up here but left for a while. Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. The median home value here is around $631,400, which is pretty steep. Household incomes average around $96,626 in Renton. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Am I wrong here? Thanks in advance! Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
28 upvotes
7 Replies
Arianna Mitchell
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
39 upvotes
Luca Martinez
+1
38 upvotes
Helen C.
literally same
36 upvotes
Terry C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 52, moved here 13 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Maple Ridge and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The nightlife situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for singles. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Atlanta, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K 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.
26 upvotes
Paisley D.
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 2 years. Moved from Seattle for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. real estate 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:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have hiking 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 solid. 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 a lot of cultural diversity. Can feel isolated. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Reagan W.
hard disagree but ok
16 upvotes
Rylee H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 6 years. Moved from Charlotte for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. education 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are hit or miss. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Homeless population growing downtown. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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