Hey folks, My family moved here when I was a kid. Rent is about $797/month for a decent place. It's a a small town city with about 3,048 people. Median household income is $66,219, which feels about average for the area. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Am I overthinking this? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
6 upvotes
13 Replies
Silas Ramirez
Came here for family and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The public transit is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
36 upvotes
Zoe
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 39, moved here 13 years ago from New York. I've lived in Downtown and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The public transit situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
32 upvotes
Parker Mendoza
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 15 years. Moved from LA for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. construction 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is average - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Cedar Grove schools are hit or miss. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Bugs and humidity in summer. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Luke Campbell
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is job market. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
32 upvotes
happy_harper88
I've lived in Oak Park for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Active local events and festivals
- The cultural scene scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Definitely worth checking out..
29 upvotes
Madelyn Williams
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
27 upvotes
Nolan Gray
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is nightlife. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
27 upvotes
Aria Turner
exactly what I was thinking
16 upvotes
Eli Hernandez
I work in healthcare here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is pretty good. Definitely worth checking out..
15 upvotes
Mateo Ramos
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
7 upvotes
real_ezekiel33
it depends on the neighborhood
7 upvotes
Nora P.
as a local I can confirm
5 upvotes
Savannah Morales
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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