I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Poverty rate is 4.3%, which is pretty low. The suburbs are where most families end up. Is this normal for Tawas City? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
15 upvotes
13 Replies
Greyson King
as a local I can confirm
40 upvotes
Leah Thompson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
40 upvotes
Alice Hernandez
This.
39 upvotes
abigail_rider
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 4 years. Moved from LA for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have desert landscapes 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 excellent. 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. Limited shopping options. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Eva Patel
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
36 upvotes
William
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Sunset area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
33 upvotes
Ethan
not my experience at all
22 upvotes
mason_mama
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
22 upvotes
Riley N.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 15 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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