Just moved here 3 months ago and It's a a small town city with about 22,095 people. Poverty rate is 7.7%, which is pretty low. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks! Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
2 upvotes
14 Replies
Ellie Howard
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 41, moved here 9 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Springfield and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The weather situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for young professionals. challenging 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 Phoenix, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K 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.
37 upvotes
Declan
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
34 upvotes
Oliver Rogers
Came here for retirement and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The safety is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
33 upvotes
Carter Phillips
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Mexican places. it was the best decision I ever made.
32 upvotes
Willie T.
glad someone said it
30 upvotes
Kaylee Ramos
I work in manufacturing here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Definitely worth checking out..
24 upvotes
Bennett Thomas
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
24 upvotes
Angel
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from LA about 3 years ago. The main reasons were work and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is improving.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Happy to answer more specific questions..
20 upvotes
Gabriel Castillo
I've lived in Oak Park for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. 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 cost of living scene is improving
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
19 upvotes
Delilah G.
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. 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 housing market scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Definitely worth checking out..
13 upvotes
Christian Perez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 45, moved here 3 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Uptown and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The traffic situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for families. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
12 upvotes
Ruby T.
I work in education here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is pretty good. Feel free to reach out with questions..
11 upvotes
Kaylee L.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 8 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
10 upvotes
Aubrey H.
The food scene here is average. Tons of great seafood places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
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