First post here. The unemployment rate is 3.6%, which is pretty low. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
4 upvotes
12 Replies
Colton Gomez
I'm a project manager and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
37 upvotes
Margaret P.
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
36 upvotes
Thomas Rodriguez
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 7 years. Moved from Baltimore for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
engineering is strong here. real estate 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 solid - we have state parks 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 improving. 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. Urban sprawl is real. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Melanie Gutierrez
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
28 upvotes
Madeline Young
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Highland. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in legal. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
25 upvotes
Greyson
Moved here from Charlotte about 11 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to traffic but No regrets on my end..
24 upvotes
Aiden Brown
glad someone said it
24 upvotes
Kayla C.
I work in engineering here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is solid. Definitely worth checking out..
19 upvotes
Santiago
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 34, moved here 9 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in North and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The dating scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Phoenix, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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
Scarlett Morales
I've lived in Riverside for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
- The pet-friendliness scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
9 upvotes
Katherine Taylor
Saving this thread
8 upvotes
Brooks Jimenez
I've lived in Downtown for about 10 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 Phoenix, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Diverse dining options
- The nightlife scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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