Thinking about relocating to Forest Hills from St. Louis
Hey, I work in consulting and With a population of 6,332, Forest Hills is a small town. The median home value here is around $182,200, which is actually reasonable. Median household income is $86,802, which feels pretty solid for the area. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Is this normal for Forest Hills? I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
12 upvotes
11 Replies
Riley Howard
it depends on the neighborhood
34 upvotes
austin_david
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Tampa about 3 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is solid.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Feel free to reach out with questions..
28 upvotes
Nolan
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 3 years. Moved from Denver for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
consulting is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is tough - we have biking trails 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 pretty good. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Sarah Mendoza
Totally agree!
15 upvotes
Sophia P.
Totally agree!
10 upvotes
Jeremiah
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
10 upvotes
Dominic Davis
This.
10 upvotes
Addison Sanchez
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great farm-to-table places. the quality of life is solid.
7 upvotes
Sophia Mendoza
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 29, moved here 3 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Lakewood and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The nightlife situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K 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.
7 upvotes
Zoey Chavez
facts
5 upvotes
Adeline Edwards
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 4 years. Moved from Seattle for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood 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. Can feel isolated. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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