Curious what people think. I'm originally from Minneapolis and Median household income is $64,659, which feels about average for the area. Crime rate is something to consider -Airway Heights sits at 282.9 per 100K. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The food scene here is surprisingly good. What would you do? The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development.
13 upvotes
13 Replies
Claire Kelly
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 6 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
40 upvotes
aurora_lover
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 14 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
38 upvotes
Eli Parker
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The safety is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
38 upvotes
Connor Brooks
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 10 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
37 upvotes
Nolan Hall
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much affordable but now it's surprisingly good.
36 upvotes
Diana H.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely tough and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Sunset) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
35 upvotes
sddude2020
Bought a house here in 2016 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
29 upvotes
Isaiah
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 9 years. Moved from Baltimore for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is average - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are decent. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Far from beaches/mountains. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Ethan M.
Saving this thread
25 upvotes
Reagan Cruz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Oak Park for 13 years. Moved from Atlanta for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Oak Park schools are improving. 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. Nightlife is limited. Limited high-paying job options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Maverick Ramos
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
21 upvotes
Angel Robinson
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much pricey but now it's challenging.
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