Curious what people think. I'm a teacher here and Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. Rent is about $1,015/month for a decent place. It's a a small town city with about 24,432 people. Household incomes average around $59,271 in Riverside. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
11 upvotes
14 Replies
Christian Jimenez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in South. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in engineering. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Definitely worth checking out..
23 upvotes
Martha P.
great question, following
22 upvotes
Greyson Watson
I've lived in Uptown for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good internet infrastructure
- The job market scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
21 upvotes
Melanie
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 3 years. Moved from Austin for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is solid - 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 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. Limited shopping options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Noah R.
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the Westside side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
17 upvotes
Avery
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Atlanta about 13 years ago. The main reasons were work and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are pricey, gas is improving.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
15 upvotes
Hunter Carter
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Sunset. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in tech. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
15 upvotes
Samuel Foster
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely better than expected and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
12 upvotes
Austin Brooks
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. housing market used to be much growing but now it's average.
12 upvotes
Adam Young
good to know, thanks
11 upvotes
Jonathan M.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Good luck with whatever you decide..
7 upvotes
Matthew Mendoza
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Phoenix about 15 years ago. The main reasons were work and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are growing, gas is decent.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Definitely worth checking out..
4 upvotes
Bennett Moore
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 4 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
3 upvotes
Luca S.
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the North side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
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