Anyone else feel this way? Military spouse here. It's a a small town city with about 19,977 people. Household incomes average around $104,307 in West Haven. The weather takes some getting used to.
13 upvotes
11 Replies
Jace James
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Dallas it's surprisingly good.
31 upvotes
Leah Cruz
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The cost of living is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
29 upvotes
Caroline
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely tough and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Riverside) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living 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.
26 upvotes
Ezra Price
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 3 years. Moved from San Diego for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Summers can be brutally hot. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Riley Lee
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Uptown area are improving. Kids love it here.
16 upvotes
Everly Foster
Moved here from Minneapolis about 7 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to traffic but Feel free to reach out with questions..
15 upvotes
Reagan W.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
14 upvotes
Jayden Sanchez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 4 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
13 upvotes
Emilia Gomez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is solid in most areas.
11 upvotes
Michael Roberts
thanks for sharing
11 upvotes
Christian L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 54, moved here 10 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Greenfield and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The nightlife situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for retirees. surprisingly good 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 Austin, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$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.
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