Hey, I grew up here but left for a while. The unemployment rate is 1.8%, which is pretty low. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development.
11 upvotes
14 Replies
Zoe Hall
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is school system. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
36 upvotes
Lily Edwards
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
36 upvotes
Benjamin 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 10 years. Moved from LA for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is pretty good - 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 average. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Can feel isolated. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Hailey Howard
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
31 upvotes
houston_cooper
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Minneapolis about 6 years ago. The main reasons were school and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is average.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Happy to answer more specific questions..
30 upvotes
Oliver Martin
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
23 upvotes
Genesis
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely excellent and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Limited public transit 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.
21 upvotes
Kennedy E.
noted, appreciate it
20 upvotes
Jameson Bailey
I'm a social worker and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
20 upvotes
Alexa Turner
I've lived in Sunset for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Lots of new development happening
- The pet-friendliness scene is solid
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
13 upvotes
Emily Moore
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Hope this helps!.
13 upvotes
Logan H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 9 years. Moved from Minneapolis for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are hit or miss. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Property taxes are high. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Clara Ross
seconding this
4 upvotes
Willow Cook
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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