Anyone else feel this way? I grew up here but left for a while. Crime rate is something to consider -Staples sits at 19.2 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 2.9%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $218,365 in Staples. Poverty rate is 3.9%, which is pretty low. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. Worth the trade-offs? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
2 upvotes
7 Replies
chloe_girl
preach
35 upvotes
Dylan Wright
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 5 years. Moved from Chicago for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. Sunset 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Limited entertainment options. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Dylan P.
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 7 years. Moved from San Diego for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have national forests 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 pretty good. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Nora Green
spot on
17 upvotes
Axel Walker
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
9 upvotes
Emma Carter
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..
3 upvotes
austin_skylar
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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