Hey everyone, My family moved here when I was a kid. Poverty rate is 23.1%, which is higher than I expected. Household incomes average around $47,899 in Westmont. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. Am I wrong here?
8 upvotes
10 Replies
Lily Y.
Moved here from Boston about 7 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but Hope this helps!.
34 upvotes
Elena M.
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much established but now it's excellent.
30 upvotes
Carson James
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Tampa it's tough.
22 upvotes
Aubrey N.
haha yep pretty much
21 upvotes
Grace Torres
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 13 years. Moved from LA for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. 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:**
engineering is strong here. marketing 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is solid - 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 challenging. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Can feel isolated. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
chill_aria5
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The pet-friendliness is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
15 upvotes
Matthew
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
6 upvotes
Emma B.
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in East area are average. Kids love it here.
2 upvotes
bella_heart
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 50, moved here 8 years ago from New York. I've lived in North and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Summers can be brutally hot
3. The dating scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 New York, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
2 upvotes
Samuel Wright
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 27, moved here 6 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Greenfield and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Can feel isolated
3. The nightlife situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for young professionals. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Atlanta, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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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