So, I'm a college student here and Homes are going for about $230,300 on average. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Worth the trade-offs? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
14 upvotes
12 Replies
Thomas E.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 2 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
38 upvotes
portland_kai
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
37 upvotes
Kayden Garcia
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 1 years. Moved from Minneapolis for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. Oak Park schools are surprisingly good. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Kimberly N.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 2 years. Moved from Atlanta for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Cedar Grove schools are underrated. 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. Dating scene is rough. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Ruby Roberts
I'm a pharmacist and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
30 upvotes
Mia Reed
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
26 upvotes
Aurora Wright
same here
23 upvotes
Ruby Long
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Boston about 7 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are pricey, gas is solid.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
18 upvotes
Daniel K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 28, moved here 6 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Midtown and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Affordable housing options
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The cultural scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K 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.
16 upvotes
Isabelle A.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want dating scene, then yeah this place is great. But if cultural scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
9 upvotes
Delilah Phillips
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
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