Hey, My family moved here when I was a kid. Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. Median household income is $235,886, which feels pretty solid for the area. The median home value here is around $673,200, which is pretty steep. The unemployment rate is 2.0%, which is pretty low. Poverty rate is 0.9%, which is pretty low. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Anyone in a similar situation? Any help is appreciated. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
12 upvotes
6 Replies
Eleanor
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Austin about 1 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are competitive, gas is average.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. No regrets on my end..
39 upvotes
Madison S.
Used to live on the Fairview side, now on the North side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
35 upvotes
Adrian
I've lived in Oak Park for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
- The cost of living scene is decent
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Feel free to reach out with questions..
20 upvotes
Logan M.
haha yep pretty much
18 upvotes
Jacob R.
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great Southern places. I love the pace of life here.
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