Alright, The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 74--F, so it's warm year-round. With a population of 26,922, Temple Terrace is a smaller city. Poverty rate is 8.2%, which is pretty low. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. What do you all think? The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
1 upvotes
28 Replies
Ryan Parker
yep
40 upvotes
Aaron Cox
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
39 upvotes
Madeline L.
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 11 years. Moved from Boston for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Oak Park 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. Can feel isolated. Dating scene is rough. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Alexa Lopez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
Jameson Brooks
I'm a physical therapist and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
38 upvotes
Maya Patel
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much reasonable but now it's average.
37 upvotes
raised_nicholas72
hard disagree but ok
37 upvotes
Miles Wood
I've lived in Lakewood for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Diverse dining options
- The weather scene is improving
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Happy to answer more specific questions..
37 upvotes
Aubrey Perez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 1 years. Moved from Portland for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
hospitality is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is solid - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook schools are decent. 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. Limited public transit options. Chain restaurants dominate. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Wesley L.
glad someone said it
35 upvotes
Aurora Davis
glad someone said it
35 upvotes
Thomas
Moved here from Austin about 5 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Feel free to reach out with questions..
34 upvotes
mason_mama
interesting, hadn't considered that
32 upvotes
Levi
it depends on the neighborhood
28 upvotes
Maya T.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
22 upvotes
Nolan S.
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much pricey but now it's improving.
18 upvotes
Olivia Evans
lol so true
17 upvotes
Cora T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 44, moved here 11 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Riverside and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The cost of living situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for singles. average vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Charlotte, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
16 upvotes
Ezekiel Peterson
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..
13 upvotes
Gabriella Peterson
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
11 upvotes
Greyson Ramirez
following this thread
10 upvotes
Lucas Lopez
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The cost of living is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
8 upvotes
Declan Adams
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The healthcare is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
6 upvotes
Nolan James
nah I disagree
5 upvotes
Santiago James
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 3 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into running, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
5 upvotes
Cooper Williams
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
4 upvotes
brooklyn_papa
nah I disagree
3 upvotes
Grace Gutierrez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Lakewood. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in retail. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Asian.
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