OK so Military spouse here. Poverty rate is 3.8%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $124,167, which feels pretty solid for the area. Average temperature is around 65--F, so the weather is moderate. The unemployment rate is 3.3%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $2,454 for rent here. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
Pros:
- Good job market
- Growing food scene
- Low crime in most areas
- Walkable downtown
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons:
- High property taxes
- Boring for young people
- Mosquitoes and humidity
There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
9 upvotes
12 Replies
Lucy
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
36 upvotes
Nathan
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The food scene is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Audrey Brooks
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
27 upvotes
Alexa Adams
I've lived in The Heights for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Four distinct seasons
- The community vibe scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
23 upvotes
sacramento_brielle
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 32, moved here 7 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Lakewood and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The weather situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. 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 Dallas, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K 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.
19 upvotes
evelyn_girl
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 1 years. Moved from San Diego for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting 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 have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. The Heights schools are tough. 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. Winters are long and cold. Far from beaches/mountains. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Madelyn K.
exactly what I was thinking
12 upvotes
Jaxon Peterson
interesting, hadn't considered that
8 upvotes
Everly Ward
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Affordable housing options
- The safety scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Good luck with whatever you decide..
7 upvotes
omahapapa2020
Totally agree!
7 upvotes
Josiah Ortiz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Boston about 3 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is challenging.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
6 upvotes
Owen S.
I'm a marketing manager and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is average and there's always something going on.
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