Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a 29-year-old electrician and Crime rate is something to consider -Sturgis sits at 408.2 per 100K. Homes are going for about $129,400 on average. With a population of 11,077, Sturgis is a small town. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Am I overthinking this? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
4 upvotes
12 Replies
Adrian Collins
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Hope this helps!.
37 upvotes
Nova Murphy
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 1 years. Moved from Portland for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2023 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:**
manufacturing is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is average - 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. The Heights 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Far from beaches/mountains. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Audrey B.
been saying this for years
26 upvotes
Jacqueline P.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is challenging in most areas.
25 upvotes
Nathan Kim
Came here for quality of life and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor recreation is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
22 upvotes
Aaron Morris
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
21 upvotes
Eric P.
couldn't agree more
20 upvotes
Arianna Sanchez
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 pet-friendliness. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
18 upvotes
Rylee Ortiz
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
18 upvotes
Isabelle A.
been saying this for years
11 upvotes
Natalie Rodriguez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely excellent and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Sunset) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
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