Anyone else feel this way? My family moved here when I was a kid. You can expect to pay around $906 for rent here. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
5 upvotes
27 Replies
Waylon Rivera
Moved here last year, no regrets.
39 upvotes
Lucy Sanchez
Totally agree!
38 upvotes
hazel_native
Saving this thread
35 upvotes
Abigail Johnson
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great Asian places. I love the pace of life here.
34 upvotes
Dennis M.
Saving this thread
34 upvotes
Bennett Ward
100%
34 upvotes
Audrey Brooks
I've lived in The Heights for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The housing market scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
33 upvotes
Adam C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 30, moved here 9 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Eastside and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The job market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for young professionals. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Austin, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K 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.
32 upvotes
Olivia
seconding this
31 upvotes
Delilah Chavez
not my experience at all
30 upvotes
Parker Long
noted, appreciate it
29 upvotes
Luca Lee
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The housing market is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
28 upvotes
Joshua O.
big facts right here
28 upvotes
Daniel F.
I've lived in North for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events and festivals
- The cultural scene scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Good luck with whatever you decide..
27 upvotes
Isabella K.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 2 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
24 upvotes
Levi Parker
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 13 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
23 upvotes
Peyton Ramos
lol so true
23 upvotes
Emma
thanks for sharing
23 upvotes
Willow Young
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
20 upvotes
Tyler L.
Moved here from Denver about 9 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to food scene but Feel free to reach out with questions..
20 upvotes
Paisley G.
great question, following
19 upvotes
Michael C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 33, moved here 2 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Lakewood and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited shopping options
3. The nightlife situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. solid vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 San Diego, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K 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.
18 upvotes
Kaylee Myers
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Chicago about 9 years ago. The main reasons were family and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Property taxes are high
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 competitive, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
12 upvotes
theodore_dude
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
11 upvotes
Kai Stewart
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 13 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
11 upvotes
Logan Mendoza
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 7 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into running, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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