Hey folks, Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. It's a a small town city with about 10,545 people. Median household income is $74,773, which feels about average for the area. Household incomes average around $74,773 in Heath. The unemployment rate is 2.3%, which is pretty low. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up.
Pros:
- Affordable cost of living
- Great weather
- Growing food scene
- Lots of new development
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons:
- Hot summers
- Rising rent prices
- Limited dining options
Am I overthinking this? The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
13 upvotes
12 Replies
Reagan Howard
preach
39 upvotes
Emma G.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
37 upvotes
matthew_guy
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
35 upvotes
Nora Roberts
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The pet-friendliness is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
33 upvotes
Paisley Long
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
18 upvotes
Maverick S.
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great BBQ places. it's been a really good experience overall.
13 upvotes
Nova Wood
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
11 upvotes
Chloe Wright
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community vibe is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
11 upvotes
Everett Johnson
it depends on the neighborhood
10 upvotes
orlandodude2024
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 5 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into running, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
8 upvotes
Declan
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 41, moved here 7 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Fairview and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The weather situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Nashville, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
6 upvotes
Mason Nelson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 38, moved here 14 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Can feel isolated
3. The public transit situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good 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 Charlotte, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K 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.
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