First post here. I'm originally from Pittsburgh and Property taxes are high but you get good services.
8 upvotes
13 Replies
Ethan Walker
hard disagree but ok
39 upvotes
Rylee Ramos
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 10 years. Moved from Seattle for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. Uptown schools are solid. 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 very walkable outside downtown. Far from beaches/mountains. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Leonardo Wilson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Denver about 3 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is decent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. No regrets on my end..
35 upvotes
Paisley G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 38, moved here 2 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Uptown and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The nightlife situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Tampa, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K 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.
35 upvotes
John Gutierrez
this is the way
31 upvotes
Olivia M.
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
27 upvotes
Isabella
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if food scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
24 upvotes
Camila Kim
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Dallas about 12 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is average.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Good luck with whatever you decide..
16 upvotes
austin_waylon
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. public transit used to be much affordable but now it's improving.
14 upvotes
Lucas K.
couldn't agree more
9 upvotes
Emma R.
following this thread
8 upvotes
Alice M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 15 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
5 upvotes
atl_grace
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Eastside) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.