Longtime lurker here, My partner and I are Poverty rate is 13.6%, which is around average. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. What would you do? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
11 upvotes
29 Replies
Alice J.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The school system scene is solid
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
40 upvotes
Eugene S.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
39 upvotes
Adam Morales
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 12 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
37 upvotes
abigail_guy
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
35 upvotes
Audrey Martin
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
34 upvotes
Cora
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
33 upvotes
Allison King
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Lots of new development happening
- The job market scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
29 upvotes
Waylon R.
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 4 years. Moved from Phoenix for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. manufacturing 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 wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. 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 hit or miss. 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. Limited shopping options. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Luna Robinson
big facts right here
26 upvotes
Ruby T.
I've lived in South for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The traffic scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Good luck with whatever you decide..
26 upvotes
Scarlett Stewart
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 28, moved here 3 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Oak Park and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The housing market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Atlanta, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
25 upvotes
Madeline Ruiz
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
24 upvotes
Sophie
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The cultural scene is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
23 upvotes
Aurora Walker
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 8 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
22 upvotes
Evelyn Allen
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is decent in most areas.
21 upvotes
Quinn Foster
exactly what I was thinking
20 upvotes
Jameson Ortiz
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
19 upvotes
Mackenzie Moore
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
17 upvotes
Sarah Allen
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if healthcare matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
14 upvotes
Bennett Phillips
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The public transit is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
12 upvotes
Rylee Morgan
exactly what I was thinking
9 upvotes
Kimberly L.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
8 upvotes
Sebastian Parker
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 12 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
3 upvotes
Easton Martinez
bump
3 upvotes
Mateo W.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Chicago it's underrated.
3 upvotes
Audrey Lopez
underrated comment
2 upvotes
Aaliyah Scott
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
1 upvotes
Samuel Chavez
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
1 upvotes
Adrian Ruiz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 10 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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