OK so My partner and I are Rent is about $728/month for a decent place. The median home value here is around $85,300, which is actually reasonable. Poverty rate is 19.9%, which is higher than I expected. Homes are going for about $85,300 on average. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. 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. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
5 upvotes
12 Replies
Evan P.
interesting, hadn't considered that
37 upvotes
Jace
I've lived in Oak Park for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The weather scene is hit or miss
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
34 upvotes
Jameson Smith
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 4 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
31 upvotes
Michael R.
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Lakewood area are tough. Kids love it here.
30 upvotes
Isaiah Scott
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 13 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
28 upvotes
milwaukee_landon
bump
23 upvotes
Theodore Diaz
I work in manufacturing here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
19 upvotes
Natalie Flores
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 6 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
14 upvotes
Hazel Bennett
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Greenfield. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
13 upvotes
loving_everly78
I'm a physical therapist and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
6 upvotes
Philip H.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 15 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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