You can expect to pay around $1,413 for rent here. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Thanks!
30 upvotes
10 Replies
Weston Taylor
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Springfield. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in engineering. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
38 upvotes
jax_greyson
wish I knew this sooner
34 upvotes
Cora P.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Tampa about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are manageable, gas is tough.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. No regrets on my end..
32 upvotes
David Allen
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 5 years. Moved from Austin for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
real estate is strong here. legal 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:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is improving - 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 average. 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. Property taxes are high. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Parker Davis
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The nightlife is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
25 upvotes
Lily Anderson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 36, moved here 12 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Highland and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The cost of living situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 San Francisco, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K 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.
15 upvotes
Abigail Gray
I've lived in North for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Four distinct seasons
- The food scene scene is tough
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
11 upvotes
Peyton Bennett
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Oak Park. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
7 upvotes
bostonpapa2025
I've been living here for 13 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The walkability is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
3 upvotes
Vivian Walker
I'm a social worker and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
All Countries
