Hey everyone, I'm single, late 50s, and Poverty rate is 5.2%, which is pretty low. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Thoughts? Thanks!
19 upvotes
11 Replies
Julian Martin
I've lived in Oak Park for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
- The school system scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Hope this helps!.
39 upvotes
Madelyn Edwards
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 3 years. Moved from Chicago for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2022 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. finance 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's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. Meadowbrook schools are underrated. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Not very walkable outside downtown. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Elena Miller
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
37 upvotes
proud_landon80
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is underrated in most areas.
37 upvotes
Levi Gonzalez
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 2 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 Denver, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The walkability scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
urban_matthew37
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
21 upvotes
Ryan Bennett
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Fairview. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in construction. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Korean.
No regrets on my end..
20 upvotes
Kinsley Allen
haha yep pretty much
19 upvotes
Aurora L.
Moved here from Portland about 1 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to public transit but Good luck with whatever you decide..
13 upvotes
Lily Miller
seconding this
9 upvotes
Emily Turner
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 53, moved here 14 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Pine Hills and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The pet-friendliness situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Seattle, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
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