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la_lillian
moving
Should I move to Chicago Heights or stay in Memphis?
Curious what people think. I'm a 35-year-old chef and Is this normal for Chicago Heights?
15 upvotes
10 Replies
Noah Roberts
yeah no that's not right
39 upvotes
Hannah Brooks
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely hit or miss and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (South) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely hit or miss and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (South) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
36 upvotes
Nevaeh Hernandez
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great seafood places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
32 upvotes
Nora
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Tampa about 14 years ago. The main reasons were family and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is challenging.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Tampa about 14 years ago. The main reasons were family and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is challenging.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
31 upvotes
mountain_david50
this is the way
31 upvotes
Colton Alvarez
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 4 years. Moved from Houston for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
legal is strong here. finance 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 exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is tough - we have rivers 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 solid. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Dating scene is rough. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in The Heights for 4 years. Moved from Houston for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
legal is strong here. finance 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 exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is tough - we have rivers 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 solid. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Dating scene is rough. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Julian Reyes
exactly what I was thinking
8 upvotes
Ariana Foster
underrated comment
8 upvotes
Bella Gutierrez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from San Francisco about 11 years ago. The main reasons were weather and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are wild, gas is solid.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. No regrets on my end..
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from San Francisco about 11 years ago. The main reasons were weather and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are wild, gas is solid.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. No regrets on my end..
6 upvotes
Hunter Hughes
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Pittsburgh it's improving.
3 upvotes