Hey everyone, I'm a college student here and Rent is about $1,304/month for a decent place. It's a a smaller city city with about 36,343 people. Crime rate is something to consider -Merrillville sits at 144.0 per 100K. Household incomes average around $64,791 in Merrillville. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Thoughts? The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
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Xavier Jackson
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 13 years. Moved from Minneapolis for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2023 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. marketing 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. The Heights schools are underrated. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, 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.
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