I've been here for 6 years and Median household income is $100,134, which feels pretty solid for the area. Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. It's a a smaller city city with about 41,196 people. The median home value here is around $475,100, which is pretty steep. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. Any advice would be great. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
29 upvotes
5 Replies
Charlotte Mendoza
exactly what I was thinking
35 upvotes
Ian C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 36, moved here 13 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Lakewood and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited shopping options
3. The safety situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Dallas, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
28 upvotes
Landon
following this thread
26 upvotes
atllife2023
I've lived in The Heights for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- The weather scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..