Hey folks, I'm originally from Baltimore and Median household income is $63,795, which feels about average for the area. The median home value here is around $190,000, which is actually reasonable. Homes are going for about $190,000 on average. Average temperature is around 66--F, so the weather is moderate. Household incomes average around $63,795 in Terrell. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up.
Pros:
- Growing food scene
- Low crime in most areas
- Lots of new development
- Walkable downtown
- Plenty of shopping options
Cons:
- Traffic can be terrible
- Rising rent prices
- Boring for young people
- Far from major airports
- Chain restaurants dominate
TIA! Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
10 upvotes
6 Replies
Ellie Thompson
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 1 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is average - we have mountains 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 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. Homeless population growing downtown. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Alexis W.
I've lived in Downtown for about 12 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 Salt Lake City, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
- The public transit scene is solid
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
27 upvotes
Owen Ramos
Bought a house here in 2015 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
23 upvotes
Brenda R.
I've lived in Fairview for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Four distinct seasons
- The food scene scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
19 upvotes
Cora Hernandez
As someone who grew up here, the quality of life is solid. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much pricey but now it's decent.
10 upvotes
Autumn Scott
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 6 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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