Curious what people think. Median household income is $64,471, which feels about average for the area. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. What are your go-to spots? 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. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
7 upvotes
7 Replies
Reagan C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 56, moved here 14 years ago from New York. I've lived in East and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The traffic situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 New York, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
38 upvotes
Adam N.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from LA about 12 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are pricey, gas is average.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
37 upvotes
Isla White
I work in tech here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is tough. No regrets on my end..
35 upvotes
Madelyn
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 15 years. Moved from Miami for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
retail is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is improving - we have rivers 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 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. Property taxes are high. Far from beaches/mountains. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Valentina B.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 10 years. Moved from Chicago for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. finance 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:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North 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. Limited public transit options. Road conditions need improvement. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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