Random thought, I'm retired and You can expect to pay around $1,471 for rent here. The median home value here is around $608,500, which is pretty steep. Rent is about $1,471/month for a decent place. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Worth the trade-offs? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
15 upvotes
8 Replies
Willow Baker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 3 years. Moved from Tampa for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. 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 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. education 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'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are solid. 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. Winters are long and cold. Dating scene is rough. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Nova Jackson
lol so true
36 upvotes
Ellie C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 6 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
34 upvotes
Bryan C.
hmm interesting perspective
19 upvotes
Ezekiel Jackson
preach
14 upvotes
Hunter Gray
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.
6 upvotes
Leonardo Green
I've lived in Oak Park for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The dating scene scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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