Curious what people think. I work in legal and Homes are going for about $226,400 on average. You can expect to pay around $1,008 for rent here. The unemployment rate is 2.2%, which is pretty low. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Worth the trade-offs? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
15 upvotes
5 Replies
Jayden Taylor
I've lived in Oak Park for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
- The walkability scene is improving
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Feel free to reach out with questions..
26 upvotes
Landon Smith
I work in education here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is decent. Good luck with whatever you decide..
16 upvotes
Ellie Jackson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 43, moved here 3 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Oak Park and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The food scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Atlanta, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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
Nolan Flores
accurate
8 upvotes
Emilia Mendoza
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 3 years. Moved from Miami for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland 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. Urban sprawl is real. Not very walkable outside downtown. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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