Oak Park is definitely an up-and-coming neighborhood. It's brought up the interesting conversation regarding gentrification, and what that means for the existing community, and the one to come. New businesses bring jobs and money and a new culture. But I also think that gentrification causes problems for residents who have been in the neighborhood for generations, but now suddenly have huge hikes in their rent because the neighborhood population is changing. For the most part, though, I choose to look at it as a positive, and a way for different cultures, socioeconomic statuses, and traditions to come together and influence each other.

xxo