Hey folks, I'm a 51-year-old graphic designer and Median household income is $55,269, which feels about average for the area. Crime rate is something to consider -Wilmington sits at 1,498.1 per 100K. With a population of 71,124, Wilmington is a smaller city. Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. The median home value here is around $224,500, which is actually reasonable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
15 upvotes
28 Replies
Alexa K.
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor recreation is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
40 upvotes
Ezra Murphy
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 3 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
40 upvotes
Maverick Ortiz
facts
36 upvotes
Maya Wright
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if healthcare matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
35 upvotes
Aubrey Jackson
I've lived in Oak Park for about 15 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:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
- The public transit scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. No regrets on my end..
34 upvotes
dominic_lover
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Atlanta it's tough.
34 upvotes
la_dylan
same here
34 upvotes
seattleheart2025
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
31 upvotes
Reagan Johnson
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
30 upvotes
Liam Cook
exactly what I was thinking
25 upvotes
Jordan Hall
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
22 upvotes
Dylan Carter
big facts right here
22 upvotes
Lily
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 15 years. Moved from Miami for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is pretty good - 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. Midtown schools are decent. 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. Limited public transit options. Property taxes are high. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Maya Gomez
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the Cedar Grove side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
20 upvotes
Julia Mendoza
big facts right here
18 upvotes
Benjamin Alvarez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 13 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
18 upvotes
Liam G.
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
17 upvotes
Ezra Long
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 10 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
16 upvotes
Wesley T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 42, moved here 10 years ago from New York. I've lived in The Heights and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited shopping options
3. The healthcare situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
16 upvotes
Hudson Miller
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to Minneapolis it's pretty good.
15 upvotes
Aaron Cox
100%
13 upvotes
fresnogirl2024
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Lakewood area are tough. Kids love it here.
13 upvotes
Alice Hernandez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely better than expected and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Riverside) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
6 upvotes
Skylar Anderson
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is dating scene. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
6 upvotes
Ryan Perez
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
4 upvotes
Carson Campbell
hmm interesting perspective
4 upvotes
Aaliyah Hall
+1
1 upvotes
Hannah
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 12 years. Moved from Miami for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2017 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Lakewood 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. Limited public transit options. Property taxes are high. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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