Living in Oak Park (apartments, renters, crime)

[Wing nut]

I'm looking at renting a house in one of the oak park neighborhoods. It looks like from the Crime Mapping site that the biggest issue is stolen cars. Most of the neighborhoods seem pretty settled and quiet.

Any Oak Park or Redwood renters or owners have any opinions they'd like to share?

[hitman619]

Oak park as a whole is nice.
A lot of retired people that look out for each other in this area.
When you go back towards 54st it can get pretty dicey

[Wing nut]

This is my impression as well. Overall a good place. When I drive through during the day, the streets are empty as many people are off at work and not hanging out. The more time I spend there the more I like it.

If I were to buy a home, I might be able to afford one in this area and fix it up. My feeling is that over time the area will get nicer as home prices grow, but I'm no expert.

I've been pleased at how fast I can get to the 8 from here as well. On a motorcycle, it's less than 10 min.

[NYSD1995]

It's fine just find a place in the interior of the neighborhood. The only really gross areas are the main streets (54th is a mess) and as such the streets adjacent get some spillover of noise, grime, crime. IMO it's a lot nicer than the neighborhoods right on the other side of the freeway. IMO Oak Park is nicer than Redwood Village because there are fewer apartments.

[buddhabelly55]

I live in Oak Park and love it. My neighbors are all great and they look out for me. I haven't had any problems, other than my friend's car got keyed once.

I love that it's central, and that freeway access is a snap. The only real drawback for me is that there really isn't a whole lot to do in Oak Park. There aren't a lot of local sit-down restaurants or coffee shops, etc. so it lacks that neighborhood feel.

Definitely check out Chiquitas restaurant. Some of the best Mexican food.

[Wing nut]

Good to know.

I saw this thread and it made me wonder: //www.city-data.com/forum/san-d...community.html

I actually walked some the area I want live and talked to some home owners I heard good things about living there. Sure, there are plenty of nicer areas but the individuals I spoke with had nothing bad to say except for the schools.

[Arch-Michael]

Oak Park can be shady at night the parks there have gangs smoking pot & drinking who at times break-into cars..But the 54th street corridor can be even worse especially the East side of 54th street.