Hi all, Average temperature is around 68°F, so the weather is moderate. You can expect to pay around $1,674 for rent here. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Thoughts? Thanks in advance! The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
52 upvotes
15 Replies
Isabelle Brooks
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 3 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into running, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
40 upvotes
Bella Davis
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. Definitely worth checking out..
36 upvotes
Josiah Morgan
Used to live on the Riverside side, now on the North side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
36 upvotes
Robert S.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Sunset) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Limited shopping options.
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.
33 upvotes
Evelyn W.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
33 upvotes
Abigail Ross
literally same
33 upvotes
Jaxon Flores
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The housing market is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
27 upvotes
Julia Sanchez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 1 years. Moved from Denver for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2022 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West 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 safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
violet_native
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
25 upvotes
Sophia Adams
bump
25 upvotes
Adrian Hall
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 14 years. Moved from Tampa for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
healthcare is strong here. marketing 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:**
it was the best decision I ever made. 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. South 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. Nightlife is limited. Road conditions need improvement. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Nevaeh Adams
+1
24 upvotes
Declan Jimenez
big facts right here
19 upvotes
philly_jordan
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 Portland for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2018 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. tech 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 hit or miss - 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 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. Rising rent and home prices. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Kayden Nelson
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.