Anyone else feel this way? We're a young couple and With a population of 26,938, Chicago Heights is a smaller city. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. Am I overthinking this? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
24 upvotes
5 Replies
Kennedy Lee
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if dating scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
35 upvotes
Luna Ruiz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 3 years. Moved from Nashville for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is average - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland 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. Can feel isolated. Dating scene is rough. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Levi Bailey
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Chicago about 11 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Close to major attractions
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are established, gas is solid.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Definitely worth checking out..
13 upvotes
Roy R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Greenfield. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in government. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
Sara K.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Definitely worth checking out..
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