Hey everyone, I'm a 47-year-old nurse and You can expect to pay around $3,408 for rent here. It's a a small town city with about 7,171 people. Poverty rate is 3.4%, which is pretty low. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development.
5 upvotes
14 Replies
Ariana Cooper
I'm a project manager and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
37 upvotes
Audrey H.
I've lived in Oak Park for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Four distinct seasons
- The community vibe scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
34 upvotes
Kinsley
glad someone said it
31 upvotes
Christian Gutierrez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 50, moved here 10 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Riverside and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The outdoor recreation situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Portland, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
30 upvotes
Virginia M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 25, moved here 12 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Lakewood and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The pet-friendliness situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. average vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Houston, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
29 upvotes
Theodore
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 7 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are underrated. 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. Limited public transit options. Can feel isolated. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Gabriella P.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want weather, then yeah this place is great. But if nightlife matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
26 upvotes
Philip L.
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
23 upvotes
Hudson Hall
been saying this for years
23 upvotes
Anna W.
hard disagree but ok
22 upvotes
Rylee P.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is decent in most areas.
22 upvotes
Sadie Roberts
Moved here last year, no regrets.
18 upvotes
Kinsley M.
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The healthcare is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
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