Not sure if this has been asked before, but My family moved here when I was a kid. It's a a small town city with about 9,155 people. Median household income is $135,286, which feels pretty solid for the area. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Thanks in advance! Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development.
11 upvotes
2 Replies
urban_ethan56
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 28, moved here 3 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Lakewood and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Can feel isolated
3. The traffic situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for families. solid vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
6 upvotes
Adeline Morris
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 Phoenix for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2016 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. consulting 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. 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 improving. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Dating scene is rough. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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