OK so Poverty rate is 13.0%, which is around average. You can expect to pay around $1,160 for rent here. Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. Homes are going for about $289,700 on average. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. What are your go-to spots? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
26 upvotes
19 Replies
Everly Gray
accurate
40 upvotes
Isabelle Myers
I work in construction here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is solid. Happy to answer more specific questions..
37 upvotes
Isabella Evans
Moved here from Boston about 13 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to cultural scene but Happy to answer more specific questions..
36 upvotes
Ethan Castillo
facts
34 upvotes
Katherine Kelly
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 5 years. Moved from LA for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have biking trails 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 challenging. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Bugs and humidity in summer. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Adrian H.
I've lived in North for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- The traffic scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
28 upvotes
Angel Hughes
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 3 years. Moved from Portland for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2023 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**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 reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. The Heights schools are better than expected. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Winters are long and cold. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Landon Jimenez
thanks for sharing
25 upvotes
Emmett L.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 13 years. Moved from Denver for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. marketing 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is average - 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. Old Town schools are excellent. 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. Limited entertainment options. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Jameson Martinez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 3 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's competitive 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 solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
20 upvotes
Kayden C.
exactly what I was thinking
19 upvotes
Alyssa G.
I've lived in Old Town for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Close to major attractions
- The cost of living scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Dating scene is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Feel free to reach out with questions..
17 upvotes
Mia Watson
I work in legal here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is better than expected. Good luck with whatever you decide..
13 upvotes
Declan Walker
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great Mexican places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
8 upvotes
lake_jordan44
Saving this thread
8 upvotes
Silas Morgan
Came here for school and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The cost of living is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
5 upvotes
Jace M.
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone about the same since then.
4 upvotes
happy_alexa70
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 7 years. Moved from Seattle for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
construction is strong here. government 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Sunset 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Homeless population growing downtown. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
2 upvotes
Delilah R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 45, moved here 3 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in North and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The school system situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
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