Military spouse here. Crime rate is something to consider -Sturgeon Bay sits at 44.8 per 100K. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. Am I wrong here? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
6 upvotes
6 Replies
Joseph Cruz
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much stable but now it's tough.
31 upvotes
Ryan K.
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
25 upvotes
Lily Flores
Moved here from Boston about 4 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to weather but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
13 upvotes
Roman Murphy
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
12 upvotes
james_papa
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 44, moved here 6 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Westside and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The job market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Baltimore, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
10 upvotes
local_lucas59
I've lived in Oak Park for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The community vibe scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..