Longtime lurker here, Poverty rate is 6.5%, which is pretty low. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Does this match your experience? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
4 upvotes
6 Replies
Josiah Ruiz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 6 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
27 upvotes
Eva Evans
I've lived in Oak Park for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The cultural scene scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
23 upvotes
Dominic Clark
great question, following
18 upvotes
Angel Baker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 24, moved here 9 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Midtown and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The housing market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for singles. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K 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.
16 upvotes
Audrey Bennett
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
14 upvotes
Elijah Ortiz
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure
- The cultural scene scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Hope this helps!.
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