Hey everyone, The median home value here is around $1,206,300, which is pretty steep. You can expect to pay around $1,750 for rent here. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Appreciate any input. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development.
13 upvotes
6 Replies
Santiago Roberts
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 47, moved here 12 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Fairview and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The walkability situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Charlotte, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
35 upvotes
Brielle Green
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Charlotte about 2 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are developing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. No regrets on my end..
28 upvotes
Emilia W.
wish I knew this sooner
27 upvotes
Cooper Baker
not my experience at all
12 upvotes
miles_papa
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Boston about 8 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is challenging.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. No regrets on my end..
2 upvotes
Christian H.
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 10 years. Moved from Minneapolis for a job opportunity. 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 down slightly 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:**
education is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is decent - we have biking trails 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 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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