11 Top Reasons to Live in Oak Park, IL

• Cure your writer's block! While discovering the neighborhood stop by renowned author Earnest Hemingway's birthplace. This entrancing home on a typical city corner bears a mere plaque to commemorate its history. Tours guide you through his life and times before he became a notable wordsmith. For more history and lore head to the Hemingway Museum up the road and discover the path his life took after he left town.
• Empty your wallet on local wares and foodstuffs! At Gem, find artisan- crafted jewelry that shines. Close by, the Marion Street Cheese Market serves up delectable dairy as well as take-home wines, marinades, and goodies from local producers.
• Take a break in the shade! At Austin Gardens, the grounds are rich with greenery and sculpture. The perfect place to relax with a bite and a friend or a book on your own. At The Oak Park Conservatory see the amazing assortment of flowerbeds that eventually go into the ground at parks and verandas around town.
• Enjoy a night out on the town! Local dining options about and nearby haunts like Gaetano's, which serves delectable Italian cuisine and House Red Vinoteca which boasts a superb wine list paired delicately with new American fare are the latest to woo the residents.
• Something old becomes new! Escape to the Lake Theater for a bit of nostalgia served with some warm, buttery popcorn. Beforehand, browse the antiquated items at Divine Consign and claim some expertly picked vintage home items.
• International Eats! If you're craving a taste of something more than steak and potatoes delve into the grub at Rebozo, an authentic Mexican restaurant where the mole has made a name for itself. For a taste of Venezuela meet your peers at Aripo's Arepa House for the tried and true Arepa made proper.
• Vacancies abound! In Village Center, near South and Austin Boulevards, those seeking rent to own homes should have plenty to choose from as the area has a 16.2% vacancy rate. The community near Washington Boulevard and South Oak Park Avenue is another option with a 12% vacancy rate.
• High Home Values! Oak Park
• houses for rent can really be worth their weight in gold. When looking for a home with a high property value seek out North Oak Park Avenue near Division Street where median values are $596,832. Another great area surrounds North and Harlem Avenues, median prices there reach $548,460.
• Low Rental Prices! Rent to own properties that afford the best bargains reside close to Iowa and Austin Boulevards where average monthly rent is $941. Another option for renters is near North and Harlem Avenues where residents pay roughly $ 943 per month.
• Live close to the action! If you're settling in on the idea of being able to walk to the train and area attractions look for rent to own or rental houses near Lake and North Oak Park Avenue or a bit further from the tracks, near Clinton Avenue and Randolph Street. You can make friends here, too, since the annual residential turnover rate is about 19%.