Working in Vale -salaries realistic?

Adeline Ruiz Jul 8, 2025

As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much stable but now it's excellent.

29 upvotes

Matthew Ramos Aug 2, 2025

as a local I can confirm

11 upvotes

charlottesoul2022 Aug 3, 2025

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 8 years. Moved from Miami for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2022 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.

**Employment:**
tech is strong here. construction 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is decent - we have hiking 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 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 a lot of cultural diversity. Chain restaurants dominate. And weather can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.

8 upvotes