Born and raised here. You can expect to pay around $681 for rent here. The median home value here is around $137,700, which is actually reasonable. The unemployment rate is 1.9%, which is pretty low. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Am I wrong here? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
12 upvotes
15 Replies
Michael Murphy
I'm a real estate agent and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
37 upvotes
Amy R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Highland. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in marketing. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Hope this helps!.
32 upvotes
Bella
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great Mexican places. it exceeded my expectations.
27 upvotes
Cheryl S.
following this thread
27 upvotes
Carson
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
26 upvotes
Skylar Ortiz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 12 years. Moved from Baltimore for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2016 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are improving. 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. Nightlife is limited. Limited high-paying job options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
riley_native
this is the way
25 upvotes
wild_james54
Used to live on the Riverside side, now on the Maple Ridge side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
24 upvotes
Sophia Morales
this is the way
22 upvotes
Adam Myers
following this thread
19 upvotes
Easton Rogers
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 14 years. Moved from Seattle for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited shopping options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Nicholas Gomez
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much stable but now it's excellent.
10 upvotes
Riley Price
I've lived in Oak Park for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
- The traffic scene is solid
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
7 upvotes
Henry Cooper
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Hope this helps!.
4 upvotes
Willow
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
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