Thinking about relocating to Westmont from St. Louis
Been meaning to ask this. Rent is about $1,427/month for a decent place. The median home value here is around $369,100, which seems about average. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
10 upvotes
12 Replies
Grayson
Used to live on the West side, now on the Downtown side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
39 upvotes
David G.
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Greenfield area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
30 upvotes
Katherine Smith
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much established but now it's challenging.
30 upvotes
Leah Castillo
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
27 upvotes
nycmind2020
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The nightlife is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
24 upvotes
Autumn T.
I've lived in South for about 15 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 LA, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Close to major attractions
- The school system scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Limited entertainment options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
21 upvotes
orlandoguy2021
I've lived in Oak Park for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The dating scene scene is solid
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Happy to answer more specific questions..
21 upvotes
Serenity Sanders
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 1 years. Moved from Minneapolis for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. finance 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are improving. 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 community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Isabella Rodriguez
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great Asian places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
18 upvotes
Aurora R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Phoenix about 9 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is decent.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
10 upvotes
Scarlett Kelly
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor recreation is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
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