Longtime lurker here, I relocated for work and Rent is about $1,496/month for a decent place. Crime rate is something to consider -Sanford sits at 816.8 per 100K. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Am I wrong here? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development.
0 upvotes
4 Replies
Ian C.
I've lived in Midtown for about 14 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 Minneapolis, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Lots of new development happening
- The food scene scene is decent
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Elizabeth Ward
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 Charlotte for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have desert landscapes 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 hit or miss. 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. Property taxes are high. Homeless population growing downtown. And community vibe 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.
32 upvotes
Wesley Clark
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
21 upvotes
Jeremy H.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Fairview. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in retail. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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