Alright, Any advice would be great. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
19 upvotes
3 Replies
Jordan Wood
nah I disagree
40 upvotes
Maya Wilson
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 10 years. Moved from Austin for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. education 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. 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. Oak Park schools are solid. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Chain restaurants dominate. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.