Curious what people think. Military spouse here. Poverty rate is 13.5%, which is around average. Average temperature is around 61--F, so the weather is moderate. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Worth the trade-offs?
1 upvotes
12 Replies
Kinsley Long
I work in hospitality here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is underrated. Definitely worth checking out..
39 upvotes
Henry Murphy
glad someone said it
38 upvotes
Aurora Kelly
I work in engineering here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is challenging. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
34 upvotes
Benjamin G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 1 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
30 upvotes
Joseph Hughes
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely tough and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Downtown) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
27 upvotes
Ian
Moved here last year, no regrets.
23 upvotes
John Walker
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 15 years. Moved from Houston for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Limited entertainment options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
19 upvotes
Everett R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Eastside. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in government. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
17 upvotes
Luna
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 24, moved here 15 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Riverside and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The cost of living situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Chicago, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K 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.
13 upvotes
raised_genesis21
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 12 years. Moved from Phoenix for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. education 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. Eastside 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. Winters are long and cold. Not very walkable outside downtown. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, 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.
13 upvotes
Bennett Allen
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is solid in most areas.
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