Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Poverty rate is 6.4%, which is pretty low. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Am I overthinking this? The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
18 upvotes
7 Replies
Piper Myers
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much established but now it's underrated.
37 upvotes
Carter Thompson
wish I knew this sooner
33 upvotes
Hudson Wilson
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Downtown area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
24 upvotes
Jaxon Flores
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
19 upvotes
Everett C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 36, moved here 12 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in South and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Can feel isolated
3. The safety situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Dallas, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
15 upvotes
Jacob Gray
been saying this for years
12 upvotes
nyc_gianna
I've lived in Oak Park for about 12 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 Seattle, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Active local events and festivals
- The weather scene is improving
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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