Alright, We have two kids and Average temperature is around 50--F, so expect cold winters. Poverty rate is 8.8%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Blair sits at 127.6 per 100K. With a population of 7,868, Blair is a small town. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
Pros:
- Good schools
- Close to nature
- Diverse community
- Good airport connections
Cons:
- Cold winters
- Not very walkable
- Few job opportunities in some fields
- Homelessness issues downtown
What do you all think? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
15 upvotes
12 Replies
Isabelle Richardson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 52, moved here 9 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Eastside and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Can feel isolated
3. The dating scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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
nashville_stella
good to know, thanks
35 upvotes
Adeline L.
spot on
34 upvotes
Jonathan A.
literally same
30 upvotes
Connor Reed
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to San Diego it's challenging.
28 upvotes
Carson Kim
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 8 years. Moved from New York for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have national forests 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 surprisingly good. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Ruby A.
noted, appreciate it
24 upvotes
Daniel N.
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great Italian places. it was the best decision I ever made.
20 upvotes
Jacob
Bought a house here in 2021 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
10 upvotes
Sarah R.
I've lived in East for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
- The school system scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
9 upvotes
jonathan_guy
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Chicago about 10 years ago. The main reasons were weather and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is better than expected.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Definitely worth checking out..
7 upvotes
Jonathan Cooper
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Old Town area are challenging. Kids love it here.
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