Longtime lurker here, I grew up here but left for a while. The median home value here is around $191,200, which is actually reasonable. You can expect to pay around $1,382 for rent here. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
22 upvotes
7 Replies
Isla Davis
great question, following
34 upvotes
Waylon Anderson
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
31 upvotes
Christian Patel
noted, appreciate it
23 upvotes
Maverick
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely improving and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
13 upvotes
Eliana G.
I'm a physical therapist and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
13 upvotes
sd_dominic
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 9 years. Moved from Portland for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2017 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is decent - we have state parks 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Bugs and humidity in summer. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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