I grew up here but left for a while. With a population of 99,147, Kenosha is a smaller city. Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. Rent is about $1,137/month for a decent place. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
Pros:
- Friendly people
- Growing food scene
- Diverse community
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons:
- Traffic can be terrible
- Hot summers
- Homelessness issues downtown
I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
10 upvotes
23 Replies
Audrey Johnson
as a local I can confirm
40 upvotes
Jose H.
yep
39 upvotes
Camila C.
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The food scene is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
39 upvotes
Emilia Parker
Bought a house here in 2023 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
34 upvotes
Xavier Ortiz
hmm interesting perspective
33 upvotes
Audrey Jimenez
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Downtown area are challenging. Kids love it here.
33 upvotes
Matthew Hill
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Portland about 6 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are stable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Definitely worth checking out..
33 upvotes
Vivian Howard
facts
32 upvotes
Anna Ross
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 7 years. Moved from Atlanta for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2016 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have lakes 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. Limited public transit options. Far from beaches/mountains. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Carol A.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
27 upvotes
Jayden Diaz
I work in hospitality here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is improving. Good luck with whatever you decide..
26 upvotes
Mason Y.
Bought a house here in 2019 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
19 upvotes
Amelia
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 54, moved here 2 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Riverside and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for singles. improving 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 Tampa, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
18 upvotes
Samuel Diaz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Baltimore about 10 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. No regrets on my end..
15 upvotes
Waylon
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Feel free to reach out with questions..
15 upvotes
Isla Rogers
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
15 upvotes
sunny_stella97
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Hope this helps!.
12 upvotes
Sebastian Kim
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 9 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
11 upvotes
Grace Ross
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is excellent in most areas.
9 upvotes
Adeline Lewis
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 11 years. Moved from Austin for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2019 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. engineering 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 been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Bugs and humidity in summer. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Gabriella Myers
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 11 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
6 upvotes
Santiago J.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 12 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into running, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
4 upvotes
Luke Brooks
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 53, moved here 15 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Lakewood and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
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. Can feel isolated
3. The nightlife situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Atlanta, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K 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.
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