Longtime lurker here, I grew up here but left for a while. With a population of 36,343, Merrillville is a smaller city. You can expect to pay around $1,304 for rent here. It's a a smaller city city with about 36,343 people. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. What are your go-to spots? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
10 upvotes
24 Replies
Eli Parker
I've lived in East for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events and festivals
- The school system scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
38 upvotes
Eliana Moore
Moved here from Austin about 9 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to healthcare but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
38 upvotes
Jameson
hmm interesting perspective
38 upvotes
Elizabeth Price
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Chicago it's improving.
29 upvotes
Mackenzie C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 6 years. Moved from Atlanta for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. hospitality 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 was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is average - 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. Greenfield 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. Rising rent and home prices. Homeless population growing downtown. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Audrey Bailey
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (East) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
28 upvotes
Ryan E.
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. Happy to answer more specific questions..
27 upvotes
Eleanor Perez
it depends on the neighborhood
24 upvotes
Owen Adams
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
22 upvotes
Bryan L.
preach
21 upvotes
Sadie Clark
interesting, hadn't considered that
21 upvotes
Eliana Roberts
big facts right here
20 upvotes
Roy J.
seconding this
17 upvotes
Sofia
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 37, moved here 4 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The dating scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Miami, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
16 upvotes
Sofia Cook
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 11 years. Moved from Dallas for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Cedar Grove 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited shopping options. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Lucas
+1
13 upvotes
Emilia Jimenez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Happy to answer more specific questions..
11 upvotes
wild_aaron73
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is school system. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
10 upvotes
Hannah Chavez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Tampa it's tough.
9 upvotes
Carol H.
I've lived in Downtown for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
- The safety scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
7 upvotes
Victoria Ward
lol so true
5 upvotes
Reagan P.
as a local I can confirm
4 upvotes
Roman G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 30, moved here 14 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Old Town and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited shopping options
3. The weather situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. solid vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Denver, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. 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.
4 upvotes
Isabella
Bought a house here in 2023 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
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