Hey everyone, Poverty rate is 5.3%, which is pretty low. The unemployment rate is 2.5%, which is pretty low. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. What would you do? The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
39 upvotes
22 Replies
Jaxon C.
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
40 upvotes
Audrey R.
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in South area are improving. Kids love it here.
39 upvotes
Harper Ruiz
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The healthcare is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
39 upvotes
Samuel N.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 9 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are improving. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Rising rent and home prices. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Xavier Jones
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Greenfield area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
30 upvotes
Mia M.
hmm interesting perspective
29 upvotes
Sophie
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Greenfield area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
26 upvotes
Elijah M.
I've lived in Oak Park for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
- The community vibe scene is improving
The downsides:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
24 upvotes
Adam Hall
I've lived in South for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Affordable housing options
- The dating scene scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
21 upvotes
Eli B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 27, moved here 6 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Sunset and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited shopping options
3. The dating scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for remote workers. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Boston, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
19 upvotes
Natalie Reyes
interesting, hadn't considered that
18 upvotes
Everly Gonzalez
great question, following
18 upvotes
Theresa G.
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. Happy to answer more specific questions..
17 upvotes
Cameron B.
Moved here from Portland about 8 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to weather but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
13 upvotes
Violet R.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
13 upvotes
Roger T.
I'm a chef and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
12 upvotes
Nolan Mitchell
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Lakewood. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in construction. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
10 upvotes
Cora W.
same here
6 upvotes
Avery
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
5 upvotes
kcliving2025
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
2 upvotes
Quinn Stewart
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor recreation is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
1 upvotes
Samuel N.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 11 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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