Hey everyone, I'm originally from Salt Lake City and Household incomes average around $99,925 in Smithville. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Am I wrong here? Thanks in advance! Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
9 upvotes
4 Replies
Julian Torres
hard disagree but ok
39 upvotes
Isla Foster
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 6 years. Moved from LA for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have hiking 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. Nightlife is limited. Limited entertainment options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Adeline Williams
exactly what I was thinking
25 upvotes
Aaron Bailey
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Fairview. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in retail. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
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