First post here. Just moved here 10 months ago and With a population of 1,401, St. Elmo is a small town. Poverty rate is 15.6%, which is higher than I expected. Crime rate is something to consider -St. Elmo sits at 72.0 per 100K. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. What do you all think? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up.
4 upvotes
2 Replies
Benjamin K.
Came here for school and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community vibe is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
34 upvotes
Cooper C.
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 13 years. Moved from Chicago for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
education is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is tough - 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 average. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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