I'm a teacher here and Median household income is $65,493, which feels about average for the area. Homes are going for about $356,600 on average. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
4 upvotes
5 Replies
Gabriella W.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 8 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
29 upvotes
Grayson Moore
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 31, moved here 1 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Riverside and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The school system situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for young professionals. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Baltimore, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K 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.
28 upvotes
Susan C.
I've lived in Oak Park for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
- The cost of living scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Good luck with whatever you decide..
27 upvotes
Sophia
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Charlotte it's hit or miss.
27 upvotes
Angel Price
I work in legal here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is better than expected. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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