Anyone else feel this way? I grew up here but left for a while. Household incomes average around $119,598 in Westfield. You can expect to pay around $1,526 for rent here. The weather takes some getting used to.
25 upvotes
5 Replies
Daniel Wood
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
38 upvotes
Lily Kim
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Pine Hills. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in retail. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
38 upvotes
Madelyn Williams
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Eastside. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in real estate. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Definitely worth checking out..
35 upvotes
Joseph King
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 6 years. Moved from Austin for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2023 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. Oak Park schools are surprisingly 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Road conditions need improvement. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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