Alright, The weather takes some getting used to. Am I wrong here?
5 upvotes
21 Replies
phoenixwalker2026
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
39 upvotes
Weston R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 3 years. Moved from Charlotte for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. engineering 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 tough - 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. Downtown 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. Property taxes are high. Homeless population growing downtown. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
James Evans
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 13 years. Moved from LA for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have ski resorts 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 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. Nightlife is limited. Chain restaurants dominate. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Evan J.
Came here for school and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The dating scene is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
29 upvotes
Ezekiel
big facts right here
27 upvotes
Jacob Morales
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 46, moved here 1 years ago from New York. I've lived in Midtown and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The public transit situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 New York, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K 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.
26 upvotes
Everly Robinson
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
25 upvotes
Sadie Garcia
interesting, hadn't considered that
25 upvotes
Xavier Martinez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Eastside. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in government. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
23 upvotes
William
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is tough in most areas.
22 upvotes
Megan R.
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. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
21 upvotes
Aaron Ramos
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Old Town. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
18 upvotes
Theodore C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 7 years. Moved from Nashville for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. engineering 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 have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. Westside schools are surprisingly 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 walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
sacramentogirl2026
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in North. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in legal. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
17 upvotes
William Gomez
hmm interesting perspective
16 upvotes
Samantha B.
big facts right here
15 upvotes
Emilia J.
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
12 upvotes
Ellie
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Miami 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 Pine Hills. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
12 upvotes
Ella Allen
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 14 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
5 upvotes
Roman Long
+1
2 upvotes
Cooper R.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want dating scene, then yeah this place is great. But if cultural scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.