Hey folks, Homes are going for about $278,000 on average. Median household income is $77,465, which feels about average for the area. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Let me know your thoughts.
14 upvotes
15 Replies
Anthony M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 4 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Abigail
interesting, hadn't considered that
37 upvotes
Allison A.
I'm a pharmacist and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
35 upvotes
sacramento_adam
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 24, moved here 7 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in North and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally tough - 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 weather situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 San Francisco, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K 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.
34 upvotes
Hudson Jimenez
+1
31 upvotes
Abigail Cook
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Oak Park area are decent. Kids love it here.
31 upvotes
Mia H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 3 years. Moved from Charlotte for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is decent - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are hit or miss. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Jace Evans
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Tampa about 1 years ago. The main reasons were weather and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are manageable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Good luck with whatever you decide..
23 upvotes
Savannah Gomez
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great craft beer places. it was the best decision I ever made.
23 upvotes
Sadie Turner
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Pine Hills area are tough. Kids love it here.
14 upvotes
Josiah R.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
11 upvotes
Connor Robinson
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Midtown area are solid. Kids love it here.
9 upvotes
Reagan Taylor
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
6 upvotes
Brielle Davis
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
4 upvotes
Ezra Y.
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 3 years. Moved from Minneapolis for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2023 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. engineering 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:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. The Heights schools are challenging. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Far from beaches/mountains. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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