Hey folks, I'm a 51-year-old sales rep and Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. The unemployment rate is 3.7%, which is pretty low. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. What neighborhoods would you suggest? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
2 upvotes
10 Replies
Colton Hill
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
35 upvotes
Piper
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 42, moved here 15 years ago from Denver. I've lived in North and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The traffic situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Denver, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K 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.
35 upvotes
Charlotte Moore
exactly what I was thinking
30 upvotes
David Brooks
I've lived in Oak Park for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
- The food scene scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
29 upvotes
Alice
Can confirm, been here 15 years.
24 upvotes
Hailey Ortiz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 15 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
23 upvotes
Roman Watson
Bought a house here in 2019 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
21 upvotes
Elijah M.
Came here for cost of living and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
7 upvotes
Elijah M.
I'm a accountant and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
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