Anyone else feel this way? I'm a teacher here and It's a a small town city with about 6,892 people. Household incomes average around $45,884 in Mount Carmel. The median home value here is around $88,500, which is actually reasonable. With a population of 6,892, Mount Carmel is a small town. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Is this normal for Mount Carmel? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
8 upvotes
9 Replies
Aria Lopez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 45, moved here 8 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in The Heights and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The food scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for retirees. decent 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 Chicago, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
38 upvotes
Mia Sanchez
I work in consulting here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Hope this helps!.
33 upvotes
Xavier Martinez
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
33 upvotes
Greyson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 34, moved here 2 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Old Town and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cost of living situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
30 upvotes
William
Bought a house here in 2023 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone about the same since then.
28 upvotes
Carson
been saying this for years
24 upvotes
sunny_allison38
Bought a house here in 2016 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
18 upvotes
Eva Wright
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 Atlanta for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2024 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. hospitality 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 exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. Winters are long and cold. Far from beaches/mountains. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Claire
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
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