Hey folks, I'm a college student here and With a population of 8,238, Rockton is a small town. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Does this match your experience? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
13 upvotes
10 Replies
Cameron H.
I've lived in Oak Park for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options
- The food scene scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
38 upvotes
Serenity E.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 36, moved here 9 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Oak Park and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited shopping options
3. The housing market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Baltimore, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
33 upvotes
Abigail R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 11 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is average.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. No regrets on my end..
28 upvotes
Sebastian Anderson
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
22 upvotes
James Moore
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great Italian places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
22 upvotes
Janice S.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 13 years. Moved from Denver for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
real estate 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 rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South 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. Road conditions need improvement. Homeless population growing downtown. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Eleanor Moore
I've lived in North for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
- The outdoor recreation scene is decent
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
21 upvotes
Gianna
Used to live on the Midtown side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
21 upvotes
Bella Ramirez
this is the way
20 upvotes
Reagan Morgan
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 7 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
All Countries
