Hey everyone, I'm a 37-year-old physical therapist and The median home value here is around $56,900, which is actually reasonable. Poverty rate is 28.2%, which is higher than I expected. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. What are your go-to spots? Thanks in advance! Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
0 upvotes
6 Replies
Jordan Richardson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 2 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
38 upvotes
Wesley N.
this is the way
29 upvotes
Silas C.
I've lived in Westside for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- The public transit scene is decent
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
19 upvotes
Adeline R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Dallas about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is tough.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Happy to answer more specific questions..
17 upvotes
Cora
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 2 years. Moved from Charlotte for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2020 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. construction 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 have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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 underrated. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Limited shopping options. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
Daniel Edwards
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is solid in most areas.
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