Longtime lurker here, I'm single, late 40s, and The median home value here is around $267,500, which seems about average. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Is this normal for Simpsonville? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
22 upvotes
12 Replies
Genesis
I've been living here for 13 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The cultural scene is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Lily Alvarez
thanks for sharing
34 upvotes
Camila Kim
nah I disagree
30 upvotes
Nora Price
underrated comment
27 upvotes
Luca
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in The Heights. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in construction. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
15 upvotes
Kinsley R.
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
15 upvotes
jaxlife2021
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
13 upvotes
Sarah M.
noted, appreciate it
12 upvotes
Eva Harris
great question, following
9 upvotes
Joseph Gutierrez
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 10 years. Moved from San Diego for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. 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 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have biking trails 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 improving. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Property taxes are high. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
3 upvotes
Arianna Clark
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely tough and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
1 upvotes
Brooklyn Carter
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Miami about 1 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is challenging.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Would recommend to anyone considering it..