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Sofia King
best-worst
Things Westchester needs to improve
It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Worth the trade-offs? Looking forward to hearing from you all.
9 upvotes
15 Replies
Eugene G.
yeah no that's not right
31 upvotes
Dylan Wilson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 2 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I've been here 2 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
31 upvotes
Mason Rivera
I work in hospitality here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Feel free to reach out with questions..
31 upvotes
Josiah P.
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the Greenfield side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
30 upvotes
Valentina Moore
Saving this thread
28 upvotes
Raymond M.
I've lived in Highland for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- The community vibe scene is improving
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Hope this helps!.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- The community vibe scene is improving
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Hope this helps!.
27 upvotes
Isaiah Johnson
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is dating scene. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
22 upvotes
Everett Moore
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 Houston for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. education 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 exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have ski resorts 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 better than expected. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Bugs and humidity in summer. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Oak Park for 4 years. Moved from Houston for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. education 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 exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have ski resorts 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 better than expected. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Bugs and humidity in summer. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Jack M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 14 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into running, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
I've been here 14 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into running, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
18 upvotes
everett_lover
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 15 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
tech is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook schools are better than expected. 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. Can feel isolated. Bugs and humidity in summer. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, 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 Meadowbrook for 15 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
tech is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook schools are better than expected. 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. Can feel isolated. Bugs and humidity in summer. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Gabriel Rivera
couldn't agree more
16 upvotes
Sophia Diaz
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 5 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. marketing 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 hiking trails 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 average. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Oak Park for 5 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. marketing 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 hiking trails 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 average. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
madeline_rider
seconding this
15 upvotes
Sophia Gonzalez
I've lived in Highland for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- The school system scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- The school system scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
7 upvotes
Reagan Jimenez
I work in legal here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is challenging. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
0 upvotes