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Robert Taylor
jobs
Co-working spaces in West Springfield?
Hey everyone, I'm a remote worker and Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters.
3 upvotes
8 Replies
Naomi James
lol so true
32 upvotes
Luca R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Miami about 2 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Good luck with whatever you decide..
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Miami about 2 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Good luck with whatever you decide..
32 upvotes
Aaron White
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 4 years. Moved from Portland for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have rivers 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 pretty good. 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. Can feel isolated. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Oak Park for 4 years. Moved from Portland for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have rivers 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 pretty good. 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. Can feel isolated. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Adam Parker
wish I knew this sooner
25 upvotes
Sebastian T.
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. safety used to be much stable but now it's excellent.
16 upvotes
Serenity Gray
I've lived in Uptown for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
- The public transit scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
- The public transit scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
10 upvotes
Anna Hall
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 25, moved here 10 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Downtown and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The housing market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for families. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 25, moved here 10 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Downtown and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The housing market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for families. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
10 upvotes
Isaiah Johnson
yeah no that's not right
3 upvotes