Hey everyone, I grew up here but left for a while. Rent is about $2,713/month for a decent place. The median home value here is around $1,058,200, which is pretty steep. It's a a smaller city city with about 68,141 people. Homes are going for about $1,058,200 on average. Average temperature is around 60--F, so the weather is moderate. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Anyone in a similar situation? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
30 upvotes
19 Replies
Kai Price
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Tampa about 7 years ago. The main reasons were school and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Diverse dining options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is underrated.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Happy to answer more specific questions..
39 upvotes
sf_logan
Bought a house here in 2019 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone about the same since then.
36 upvotes
nola_anna
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 36, moved here 8 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Uptown and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The safety situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 San Diego, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
35 upvotes
Adam Rodriguez
hard disagree but ok
35 upvotes
Everett Wood
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
34 upvotes
Brooks Reed
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
30 upvotes
Noah
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great Mexican places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
29 upvotes
Josiah Cooper
Bought a house here in 2015 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
27 upvotes
Genesis Cook
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 9 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2016 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. tech 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 was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are better than expected. 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. Dating scene is rough. Bugs and humidity in summer. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Ezekiel M.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
27 upvotes
Luca Watson
interesting, hadn't considered that
24 upvotes
raised_delilah25
Bought a house here in 2023 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
21 upvotes
Ian Lopez
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The public transit is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
21 upvotes
Grace P.
bump
17 upvotes
Ella Allen
Used to live on the Downtown side, now on the Meadowbrook side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
16 upvotes
Paisley Myers
Bought a house here in 2018 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone about the same since then.
15 upvotes
Michael H.
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The traffic is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
14 upvotes
Evelyn W.
I've lived in Oak Park for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- The walkability scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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