Alright, Should I be concerned? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
23 upvotes
15 Replies
Amelia B.
I've lived in Oak Park for about 2 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 Portland, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
- The cost of living scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
40 upvotes
Josiah
noted, appreciate it
40 upvotes
Evan Peterson
big facts right here
36 upvotes
Joshua Gray
I'm a data analyst and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
35 upvotes
Landon Gutierrez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 7 years. Moved from Tampa for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are surprisingly good. 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. Nightlife is limited. Homeless population growing downtown. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Asher Miller
accurate
27 upvotes
Savannah Hill
been saying this for years
27 upvotes
Dominic
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 1 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is solid.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Matthew L.
lol so true
23 upvotes
oaklandrider2024
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 8 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to walkability but Definitely worth checking out..
15 upvotes
Gabriel Lopez
accurate
12 upvotes
Isaiah Thomas
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely underrated and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
9 upvotes
Quinn Clark
Bought a house here in 2017 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
4 upvotes
Mason J.
I work in government here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is pretty good. Hope this helps!.
2 upvotes
Camila King
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in South. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in construction. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.