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Hunter Price moving

Should I move to Altoona or stay in Phoenix?

Curious what people think. Born and raised here. Median household income is $50,171, which feels on the lower side for the area. You can expect to pay around $789 for rent here. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Should I be concerned?
8 upvotes

3 Replies

Riley Harris
I've lived in The Heights for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The job market scene is decent

The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Can feel isolated

Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Feel free to reach out with questions..
39 upvotes
Isaiah Wright
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community vibe is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
32 upvotes
Olivia Thomas
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Downtown for 15 years. Moved from San Diego for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. 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. Lots of new construction which should help.

**Employment:**
education is strong here. consulting 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:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are excellent. 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. Property taxes are high. Limited shopping options. And community vibe can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
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