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Clara
moving
Is Belleville worth moving to in 2026?
Random thought, Let me know your thoughts. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
8 upvotes
7 Replies
Jameson Miller
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 53, moved here 13 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Highland and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The safety situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Raleigh, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
Background: I'm a nurse, 53, moved here 13 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Highland and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The safety situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Raleigh, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
39 upvotes
Elena Thomas
preach
35 upvotes
Alexa
hard disagree but ok
32 upvotes
Cora C.
yep
32 upvotes
Joshua Scott
I've lived in The Heights for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- The healthcare scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Good luck with whatever you decide..
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- The healthcare scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Good luck with whatever you decide..
23 upvotes
Isla Cruz
underrated comment
19 upvotes
David
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 11 years. Moved from Miami for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. education 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 genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood 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. Limited high-paying job options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Lakewood for 11 years. Moved from Miami for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. education 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 genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood 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. Limited high-paying job options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes