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Asher Gonzalez
best-worst
Best neighborhoods in Streator
Hey everyone, Homes are going for about $88,000 on average. What are your go-to spots?
15 upvotes
13 Replies
Scarlett Howard
wish I knew this sooner
40 upvotes
David Turner
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
39 upvotes
Nathan W.
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
29 upvotes
Eleanor Collins
it depends on the neighborhood
27 upvotes
Emma Howard
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Atlanta about 11 years ago. The main reasons were weather and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is decent.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. No regrets on my end..
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Atlanta about 11 years ago. The main reasons were weather and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is decent.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. No regrets on my end..
26 upvotes
Mason
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 6 years. Moved from Miami for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is decent - we have hiking 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 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. Rising rent and home prices. Homeless population growing downtown. And nightlife 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.
I've been in Oak Park for 6 years. Moved from Miami for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is decent - we have hiking 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 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. Rising rent and home prices. Homeless population growing downtown. And nightlife 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.
24 upvotes
Brooklyn Johnson
hard disagree but ok
23 upvotes
Jonathan Gray
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Midtown. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in real estate. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Midtown. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in real estate. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
23 upvotes
Ruth M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Atlanta about 11 years ago. The main reasons were work and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is improving.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Atlanta about 11 years ago. The main reasons were work and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is improving.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
19 upvotes
Landon A.
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
18 upvotes
Oliver H.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
11 upvotes
Aria G.
good to know, thanks
8 upvotes
Jackson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely challenging and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (West) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely challenging and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (West) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
4 upvotes