I'm a remote worker and Average temperature is around 65--F, so the weather is moderate. Median household income is $76,157, which feels about average for the area. Crime rate is something to consider -Stanton sits at 35.3 per 100K. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
Pros:
- Affordable cost of living
- Great weather
- Good job market
- Walkable downtown
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons:
- Not very walkable
- High property taxes
- Lack of diversity
- Far from major airports
- Limited cultural events
The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
10 upvotes
12 Replies
Jordan R.
big facts right here
40 upvotes
Addison Gray
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 3 years. Moved from Portland for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. engineering 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:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have beaches 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 better than expected. 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. Can feel isolated. Dating scene is rough. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
vegas_aurora
preach
36 upvotes
Jacob A.
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
34 upvotes
Sarah
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
23 upvotes
Theodore Harris
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
Connor H.
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Maple Ridge area are tough. Kids love it here.
21 upvotes
Naomi Ramos
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The public transit is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
17 upvotes
Benjamin Phillips
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Maple Ridge. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Hope this helps!.
15 upvotes
Theodore R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Phoenix about 9 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are manageable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Good luck with whatever you decide..
5 upvotes
miamipapa2023
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 8 years. Moved from Portland for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. hospitality 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:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have beaches 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. Limited high-paying job options. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
2 upvotes
phoenix_nicholas
Came here for family and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The cultural scene is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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