OK so We have two kids and It's a a smaller city city with about 27,807 people. Rent is about $2,110/month for a decent place. Poverty rate is 5.5%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $390,300, which seems about average. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Is this normal for Shirley? The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
19 upvotes
14 Replies
Leo Clark
Can confirm, been here 9 years.
38 upvotes
Steven L.
facts
33 upvotes
Isaiah Walker
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Greenfield. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
29 upvotes
Clara S.
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..
22 upvotes
Alexander A.
big facts right here
22 upvotes
Colton D.
wish I knew this sooner
22 upvotes
Sadie Turner
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
20 upvotes
Julia Green
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 4 years. Moved from Boston for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is tough - we have rivers 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 decent. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited shopping options. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Ariana G.
hard disagree but ok
16 upvotes
Valentina
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Feel free to reach out with questions..
14 upvotes
Bennett Richardson
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if dating scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
12 upvotes
Luke Lopez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely pretty good and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (The Heights) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
5 upvotes
Terry C.
I'm a accountant and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
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