Not sure if this has been asked before, but My partner and I are Rent is about $888/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. Poverty rate is 7.8%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $53,522, which feels on the lower side for the area. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
3 upvotes
9 Replies
Colton Diaz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely decent and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (South) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
40 upvotes
detroitmind2020
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 11 years. Moved from Portland for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. engineering 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is improving - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are solid. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Can feel isolated. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Jordan H.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely tough and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
19 upvotes
Thomas Brown
Moved here last year, no regrets.
14 upvotes
Caroline Hernandez
I've lived in The Heights for about 15 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 housing market. 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 food scene scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
14 upvotes
Naomi
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 54, moved here 7 years ago from New York. I've lived in Sunset and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The job market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 New York, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K 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.
11 upvotes
Ezekiel Cooper
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want outdoor recreation, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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