Hi all, I'm a teacher here and Homes are going for about $652,100 on average. The unemployment rate is 6.2%, which is concerning. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Am I overthinking this? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
13 upvotes
6 Replies
Everett G.
great question, following
32 upvotes
Genesis Miller
I've lived in Oak Park for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Affordable housing options
- The walkability scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Definitely worth checking out..
32 upvotes
Aurora Hughes
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 47, moved here 1 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Oak Park and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Property taxes are high
3. The pet-friendliness situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
22 upvotes
milwaukeekid2020
This.
14 upvotes
Thomas Cox
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely average and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (North) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
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