Average temperature is around 64--F, so the weather is moderate. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
9 upvotes
15 Replies
Colton Foster
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
38 upvotes
Madelyn Reyes
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in The Heights area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
38 upvotes
Emily Jones
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 8 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
Elizabeth Alvarez
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The school system is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
36 upvotes
Luna Roberts
preach
32 upvotes
Ezra H.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Denver about 13 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are wild, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Good luck with whatever you decide..
21 upvotes
cora_mama
Used to live on the Springfield side, now on the Meadowbrook side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
21 upvotes
Grayson Clark
I've lived in Oak Park for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good airport with direct flights
- The healthcare scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Hope this helps!.
17 upvotes
Lucy Harris
hard disagree but ok
12 upvotes
Jose Thomas
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Cedar Grove. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in legal. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
10 upvotes
Carter Watson
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
9 upvotes
Jayden Jones
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
6 upvotes
Bryan J.
underrated comment
4 upvotes
Quinn A.
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Eastside area are excellent. Kids love it here.
2 upvotes
Nathan Stewart
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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