Crime rate is something to consider -St. Charles sits at 183.9 per 100K. 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.
17 upvotes
22 Replies
Alice Wright
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
39 upvotes
violet_lover
I've lived in The Heights for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- The pet-friendliness scene is decent
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. Hope this helps!.
38 upvotes
Charles H.
Moved here from Atlanta about 13 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to healthcare but Feel free to reach out with questions..
37 upvotes
Audrey K.
Can confirm, been here 12 years.
35 upvotes
Elena T.
Can confirm, been here 1 years.
33 upvotes
Audrey G.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Dallas about 6 years ago. The main reasons were weather and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Four distinct seasons
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are growing, gas is excellent.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Hope this helps!.
32 upvotes
Mark A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 47, moved here 9 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Lakewood and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Limited shopping options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Phoenix, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K 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.
30 upvotes
Ariana Patel
been saying this for years
29 upvotes
Elizabeth Ortiz
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much growing but now it's challenging.
29 upvotes
Grayson Carter
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
28 upvotes
Cameron
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great Indian places. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
25 upvotes
William Bennett
good to know, thanks
23 upvotes
living_aiden31
I'm a accountant and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
22 upvotes
Kayden Anderson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 57, moved here 6 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in West and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Close to major attractions
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The healthcare situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good 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 Baltimore, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K 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.
22 upvotes
Daniel Edwards
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 57, moved here 6 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in West and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The community vibe situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for retirees. solid 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 Seattle, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
22 upvotes
Logan
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
14 upvotes
Weston Gonzalez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 13 years. Moved from Boston for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2019 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is average - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown 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. Nightlife is limited. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Leo Miller
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Dallas about 14 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Close to major attractions
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is tough.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
6 upvotes
Benjamin
this is the way
5 upvotes
Brooks W.
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The cultural scene is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
4 upvotes
Aubrey C.
glad someone said it
1 upvotes
urban_caroline83
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Houston it's underrated.
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