Curious what people think. I'm a nurse at the local hospital and The unemployment rate is 2.8%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Sallisaw sits at 321.8 per 100K. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Anyone in a similar situation? Thanks! The weather takes some getting used to.
4 upvotes
13 Replies
Gloria P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 57, moved here 13 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Midtown and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally tough - 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 public transit situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Boston, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K 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.
40 upvotes
Lydia Morris
I've lived in Downtown for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
- The cultural scene scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Definitely worth checking out..
36 upvotes
oakland_kayden
Moved here from Chicago about 2 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to cost of living but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
26 upvotes
Sadie Parker
Bought a house here in 2020 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
26 upvotes
James Foster
hard disagree but ok
21 upvotes
Isabella W.
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 13 years. Moved from Houston for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. hospitality 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is average - we have lakes 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 better than expected. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
19 upvotes
Everett Adams
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Boston it's pretty good.
18 upvotes
Samuel P.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to San Diego it's surprisingly good.
18 upvotes
Roman Cook
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 12 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
17 upvotes
Naomi O.
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The cultural scene is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
14 upvotes
Adeline Ortiz
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is excellent in most areas.
13 upvotes
cincyheart2025
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 58, moved here 10 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally challenging - 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 outdoor recreation situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for singles. average vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Miami, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
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