Hey folks, I'm a remote worker and The median home value here is around $391,200, which seems about average. Rent is about $1,665/month for a decent place. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Looking forward to hearing from you all. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
12 upvotes
21 Replies
Victoria B.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Raleigh about 13 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are pricey, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Definitely worth checking out..
37 upvotes
portland_nolan
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is school system. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
37 upvotes
Emma Chavez
this is the way
36 upvotes
Isabelle Lewis
Totally agree!
35 upvotes
Gabriella
same here
35 upvotes
Genesis
Bought a house here in 2016 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
34 upvotes
Brooklyn Jones
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 6 years. Moved from Nashville for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. Westside 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. Rising rent and home prices. Chain restaurants dominate. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Leonardo Brooks
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great Asian places. it's been a really good experience overall.
25 upvotes
jace_local
underrated comment
24 upvotes
Theodore Phillips
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The food scene is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
23 upvotes
Jacob Mendoza
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
19 upvotes
Josiah Castillo
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 11 years ago. The main reasons were work and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are competitive, gas is tough.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
18 upvotes
Bella Hughes
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Austin it's excellent.
17 upvotes
Abigail Mendoza
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The nightlife is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
12 upvotes
Quinn Carter
spot on
10 upvotes
Caroline O.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
7 upvotes
Jack Reed
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely excellent and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
5 upvotes
Katherine Baker
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Happy to answer more specific questions..
2 upvotes
Jackson L.
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
2 upvotes
Madelyn A.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 9 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
0 upvotes
jonathan_mind
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 12 years. Moved from Portland for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2023 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is decent - we have state parks 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited shopping options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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