OK so I'm a college student here and Poverty rate is 12.9%, which is around average. Crime rate is something to consider -Drexel Heights sits at 2,435.6 per 100K. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
1 upvotes
14 Replies
Nathan
Moved here from Salt Lake City about 2 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to nightlife but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
40 upvotes
Jordan Roberts
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 58, moved here 3 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in The Heights and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cultural scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
31 upvotes
Melanie Price
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Seattle about 13 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Active local events and festivals
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is average.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Happy to answer more specific questions..
31 upvotes
Henry Phillips
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
21 upvotes
Elizabeth
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
19 upvotes
Victoria M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely underrated and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (East) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
14 upvotes
Gabriella James
I work in retail here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is better than expected. No regrets on my end..
11 upvotes
Theodore Lopez
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. No regrets on my end..
11 upvotes
Ezekiel R.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. Hope this helps!.
5 upvotes
Aiden Cooper
Bought a house here in 2023 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
5 upvotes
Landon
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if healthcare matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
2 upvotes
philly_arianna
accurate
2 upvotes
Cynthia T.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. Hope this helps!.
0 upvotes
Joseph Ross
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great Asian places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
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