I relocated for work and You can expect to pay around $1,083 for rent here. Poverty rate is 2.5%, which is pretty low. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Would love some local perspective. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
1 upvotes
14 Replies
Liam James
big facts right here
40 upvotes
Sarah S.
couldn't agree more
36 upvotes
Nolan Torres
I've lived in West for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The nightlife scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Good luck with whatever you decide..
31 upvotes
Aurora C.
hard disagree but ok
31 upvotes
Madelyn King
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in North area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
23 upvotes
Kinsley James
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 14 years. Moved from San Francisco for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2017 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have beaches 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 pretty good. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Luca Thomas
yeah no that's not right
17 upvotes
Lucy Alvarez
noted, appreciate it
15 upvotes
Robert Ward
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 37, moved here 2 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Old Town and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The dating scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good 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 Minneapolis, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
14 upvotes
Thomas
Bought a house here in 2018 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
13 upvotes
Kaylee R.
seconding this
13 upvotes
Donald L.
Came here for cost of living and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The public transit is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
8 upvotes
Sebastian Collins
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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