Longtime lurker here, It's a a smaller city city with about 63,465 people. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
29 upvotes
7 Replies
Christian C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 34, moved here 12 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in West and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Limited shopping options
3. The safety situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Seattle, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
40 upvotes
Sebastian W.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is dating scene. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
37 upvotes
Clara King
hmm interesting perspective
33 upvotes
Colton D.
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 Salt Lake City for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2016 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. real estate 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 surprisingly good - we have desert landscapes 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 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. Urban sprawl is real. Far from beaches/mountains. And healthcare 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.
19 upvotes
Wyatt Flores
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
8 upvotes
Elijah Torres
I'm a software engineer and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
0 upvotes
Declan Morales
I work in consulting here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is tough. Would recommend to anyone considering it..