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Jacob Turner
best-worst
Most overrated things about Elkin
Been meaning to ask this. I work in healthcare and Crime rate is something to consider -
2 upvotes
15 Replies
Jacob Davis
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Lakewood. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in legal. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Lakewood. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in legal. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
31 upvotes
Sarah
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 Houston for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. real estate 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 exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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 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. Rising rent and home prices. Limited entertainment options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in The Heights for 15 years. Moved from Houston for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. real estate 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 exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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 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. Rising rent and home prices. Limited entertainment options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Caleb Reyes
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
28 upvotes
Sophia Evans
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Chicago about 5 years ago. The main reasons were school and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is tough.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Happy to answer more specific questions..
I'm a writer who relocated here from Chicago about 5 years ago. The main reasons were school and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is tough.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Happy to answer more specific questions..
27 upvotes
Gabriel Gomez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from LA about 4 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from LA about 4 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
24 upvotes
Victoria Lopez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is average in most areas.
21 upvotes
Thomas Lee
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 9 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
I've been here 9 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
19 upvotes
Ethan R.
Moved here from Denver about 1 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to walkability but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
16 upvotes
Madelyn Hill
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Nashville it's better than expected.
14 upvotes
Elijah Kelly
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want weather, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
12 upvotes
local_levi50
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
10 upvotes
Thomas E.
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
9 upvotes
Carson Turner
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Midtown. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in legal. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Midtown. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in legal. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
7 upvotes
Riley Baker
been saying this for years
2 upvotes
scarlett_rider
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
1 upvotes