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abigail_guy housing

Is Merrillville still affordable?

Alright, Military spouse here. It's a a smaller city city with about 36,343 people. Homes are going for about $194,000 on average. Rent is about $1,304/month for a decent place. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services.

Pros:
- Good schools
- Close to nature
- Easy commute
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good airport connections

Cons:
- Hot summers
- Rising rent prices
- Limited dining options
- Far from major airports
- Not enough green space
What would you do? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
27 upvotes

7 Replies

cincyrunner2021
yeah no that's not right
35 upvotes
sdmind2022
wish I knew this sooner
34 upvotes
Isaiah G.
Moved here from New York about 9 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to dating scene but Hope this helps!.
31 upvotes
Avery J.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Midtown for 13 years. Moved from LA for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.

**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are solid. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And nightlife can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Emily Turner
yep
24 upvotes
Susan P.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
19 upvotes
Sophia Peterson
Bought a house here in 2019 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone about the same since then.
19 upvotes
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