Not sure if this has been asked before, but It's a a small town city with about 13,241 people. The unemployment rate is 2.9%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Connersville sits at 285.1 per 100K. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Does this match your experience? Thanks in advance! The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
11 upvotes
12 Replies
Jack
same here
40 upvotes
Cooper Kim
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 47, moved here 9 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Riverside and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The job market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Houston, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
38 upvotes
Matthew C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Phoenix about 14 years ago. The main reasons were family and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is average.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Feel free to reach out with questions..
36 upvotes
Bennett
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely excellent and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Dating scene is rough.
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.
33 upvotes
Autumn Anderson
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
23 upvotes
Amelia Hill
I'm a physical therapist and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
22 upvotes
Lillian Price
Used to live on the The Heights side, now on the Westside side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
18 upvotes
Lily
Came here for retirement and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The weather is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
7 upvotes
Parker Patel
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
5 upvotes
Declan A.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely underrated and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Riverside) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
5 upvotes
Allison B.
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. safety used to be much established but now it's hit or miss.
3 upvotes
Jayden Ramos
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 15 years. Moved from Chicago for school. 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 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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 improving. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Limited shopping options. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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