Hey, Median household income is $54,546, which feels on the lower side for the area. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much.
22 upvotes
14 Replies
Adam Allen
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from LA about 9 years ago. The main reasons were weather and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is tough.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
33 upvotes
Cameron King
been saying this for years
29 upvotes
David Gomez
been saying this for years
29 upvotes
Thomas Young
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 2 years. Moved from Miami for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. retail 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'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. Oak Park schools are pretty good. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Can feel isolated. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Nathan A.
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
26 upvotes
Jeffrey P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 8 years. Moved from Seattle for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
finance is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Meadowbrook schools are challenging. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Limited shopping options. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Luke Garcia
I work in finance here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is tough. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
25 upvotes
Luna
good to know, thanks
21 upvotes
James F.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 44, moved here 9 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Sunset and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Low crime in most neighborhoods
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The traffic situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Nashville, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
13 upvotes
chicago_emma
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 5 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. 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 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is improving - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Limited high-paying job options. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
mesa_harper
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 11 years. Moved from Charlotte 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 significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. legal 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:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. North schools are surprisingly good. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Limited entertainment options. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Eli Ramirez
haha yep pretty much
10 upvotes
Claire H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 57, moved here 5 years ago from New York. I've lived in Meadowbrook and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited shopping options
3. The job market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 New York, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$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.
7 upvotes
Aubrey Jackson
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The school system is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
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