Anyone else feel this way? You can expect to pay around $874 for rent here. Homes are going for about $106,500 on average. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What are your go-to spots?
9 upvotes
15 Replies
Jaxon K.
Totally agree!
35 upvotes
Angel K.
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
35 upvotes
Stephen C.
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Highland area are average. Kids love it here.
34 upvotes
Carter Cruz
I've lived in Oak Park for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The food scene scene is improving
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
29 upvotes
Kyle C.
I work in real estate here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is improving. No regrets on my end..
20 upvotes
Miles Green
same here
18 upvotes
Maverick Mitchell
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want dating scene, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
16 upvotes
Clara King
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Austin about 14 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is underrated.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
14 upvotes
alice_mind
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 31, moved here 13 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Lakewood and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The healthcare situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
14 upvotes
Hailey B.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Denver about 12 years ago. The main reasons were school and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Close to major attractions
- Good airport with direct flights
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is underrated.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
11 upvotes
urban_elijah93
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
10 upvotes
loving_sophie40
honestly same experience here
9 upvotes
Bella Long
literally same
8 upvotes
Alexa Peterson
yep
5 upvotes
Jonathan L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 44, moved here 2 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Springfield and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good internet infrastructure
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. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The job market situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for remote workers. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Chicago, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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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