OK so Military spouse here. Median household income is $100,459, which feels pretty solid for the area. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
25 upvotes
8 Replies
denver_daniel
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 33, moved here 13 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Riverside and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The walkability situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Portland, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
38 upvotes
charlottechef2021
Saving this thread
38 upvotes
Melanie D.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
21 upvotes
Madeline Campbell
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The dating scene is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
20 upvotes
Delilah Price
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
19 upvotes
Mason
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 14 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
9 upvotes
Chloe E.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Uptown. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
8 upvotes
Sofia Alvarez
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 13 years. Moved from Austin for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. education 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is average - we have ski resorts 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 hit or miss. 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 very walkable outside downtown. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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