Hey folks, Military spouse here. Median household income is $122,600, which feels pretty solid for the area. Homes are going for about $830,000 on average. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
2 upvotes
9 Replies
Hazel Foster
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Oak Park. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in tech. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
30 upvotes
Dylan L.
hmm interesting perspective
28 upvotes
Sarah White
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
16 upvotes
Kai Price
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 31, moved here 3 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Greenfield and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The public transit situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
16 upvotes
Gabriella
I work in marketing here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is better than expected. Definitely worth checking out..
10 upvotes
Charlotte Patel
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
7 upvotes
Bella Rogers
I've lived in The Heights for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
- The dating scene scene is solid
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Hope this helps!.
7 upvotes
Eleanor Campbell
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Nashville about 14 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. No regrets on my end..
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