Hey folks, I'm a college student here and Average temperature is around 46--F, so expect cold winters. Poverty rate is 1.7%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $2,118 for rent here. Crime rate is something to consider -St. Paul Park sits at 203.3 per 100K. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Thoughts? Thanks! Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to.
13 upvotes
13 Replies
Silas Carter
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Hope this helps!.
36 upvotes
Levi Bennett
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 5 years. Moved from Raleigh for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is decent - 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 excellent. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Dating scene is rough. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Luca Patel
not my experience at all
21 upvotes
Addison Thomas
thanks for sharing
13 upvotes
Virginia M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 8 years. Moved from LA for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is improving - we have state parks 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 decent. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Evan W.
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much established but now it's improving.
12 upvotes
dallas_lucy
couldn't agree more
12 upvotes
Madelyn Gray
Moved here from Denver about 6 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to cultural scene but Definitely worth checking out..
9 upvotes
Peyton Cooper
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The community vibe is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
8 upvotes
Kai Ortiz
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much developing but now it's better than expected.
6 upvotes
Natalie Brooks
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
5 upvotes
josiah_vibes
The food scene here is average. Tons of great farm-to-table places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
3 upvotes
everett_dude
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great craft beer places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
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