Hey folks, I've been here for 20 years and Median household income is $44,472, which feels on the lower side for the area. With a population of 7,594, Marion is a small town. Average temperature is around 58--F, so the weather is moderate. Household incomes average around $44,472 in Marion. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Thanks for reading. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
8 upvotes
11 Replies
stlguy2022
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Uptown. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in tech. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
39 upvotes
Reagan Alvarez
been saying this for years
33 upvotes
true_harper78
spot on
33 upvotes
nola_wyatt
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Boston about 6 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is improving.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Hope this helps!.
23 upvotes
Sarah M.
Bought a house here in 2022 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone about the same since then.
20 upvotes
Ava Perez
exactly what I was thinking
8 upvotes
Lawrence G.
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great BBQ places. I love the pace of life here.
6 upvotes
Riley Chavez
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 10 years. Moved from San Diego for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. engineering 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 wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have desert landscapes 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 surprisingly 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Can feel isolated. And dating scene 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.
6 upvotes
Jose Bennett
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is dating scene. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
3 upvotes
Ruby Cooper
accurate
3 upvotes
Jackson Jimenez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 56, moved here 6 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Sunset and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The cost of living situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Houston, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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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