Hello, I'm single, late 30s, and Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. With a population of 36,319, Upper Arlington is a smaller city. Homes are going for about $568,200 on average. It's a a smaller city city with about 36,319 people. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. Thanks! It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
0 upvotes
7 Replies
Lydia M.
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
37 upvotes
brooklyn_rider
I work in legal here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is tough. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
36 upvotes
William S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 57, moved here 3 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The food scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Francisco, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
33 upvotes
Audrey Davis
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 New York for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. consulting 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. 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 tough. 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. Nightlife is limited. Urban sprawl is real. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Leah Nguyen
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Minneapolis it's surprisingly good.
15 upvotes
Charlotte Gutierrez
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The pet-friendliness is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
12 upvotes
Brooklyn C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Nashville about 10 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is underrated.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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