Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Poverty rate is 13.0%, which is around average. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
5 upvotes
9 Replies
Paisley Peterson
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 12 years. Moved from Nashville for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Oak Park schools are decent. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Aaron Bailey
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Midtown area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
24 upvotes
Kaylee G.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Lakewood. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in retail. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
24 upvotes
Joseph Martinez
I'm a lawyer and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
22 upvotes
Jace Smith
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- The nightlife scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. No regrets on my end..
18 upvotes
Emilia
I've lived in Springfield for about 9 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 San Diego, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- The outdoor recreation scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Definitely worth checking out..
15 upvotes
Jameson
Can confirm, been here 12 years.
12 upvotes
Easton Long
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 11 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
2 upvotes
Isaiah Ward
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The school system is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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