Hi all, We're a young couple and Rent is about $1,661/month for a decent place. The city has invested a lot in new development. Does this match your experience?
23 upvotes
15 Replies
Nevaeh H.
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Uptown area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
33 upvotes
kayden_walker
hard disagree but ok
31 upvotes
kc_isabelle
100%
22 upvotes
Teresa C.
glad someone said it
21 upvotes
Clara Richardson
hard disagree but ok
15 upvotes
Owen J.
I've lived in Oak Park for about 13 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 Houston, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Diverse dining options
- The nightlife scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Happy to answer more specific questions..
14 upvotes
Bennett
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 13 years. Moved from Charlotte for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
construction is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is tough - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are excellent. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Can feel isolated. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Leonardo Miller
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
11 upvotes
nyc_william
nah I disagree
11 upvotes
Isaiah
great question, following
9 upvotes
desert_silas6
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
8 upvotes
Vivian T.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in North. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in tech. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
6 upvotes
Lillian
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The dating scene is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
5 upvotes
Maya Rivera
honestly same experience here
3 upvotes
Joshua Evans
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 57, moved here 5 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Lakewood and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The cost of living situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Denver, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
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