Random thought, Rent is about $1,698/month for a decent place. The median home value here is around $399,500, which seems about average. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. Let me know your thoughts.
8 upvotes
27 Replies
Jose
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Baltimore 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 South. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in government. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
37 upvotes
bostonlife2023
100%
37 upvotes
Roman Kelly
thanks for sharing
36 upvotes
Eliana Richardson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 34, moved here 14 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Downtown and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The food scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for couples. underrated 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 Minneapolis, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
36 upvotes
Ariana Young
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 24, moved here 2 years ago from Denver. I've lived in East and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The healthcare situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Denver, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
35 upvotes
mesafan2020
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Austin about 4 years ago. The main reasons were weather and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good schools in most areas
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. No regrets on my end..
35 upvotes
Luke
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 1 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into running, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
34 upvotes
Mackenzie Rodriguez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 5 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
33 upvotes
chicago_adrian
following this thread
32 upvotes
Isabella Hughes
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The walkability is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
31 upvotes
Grace J.
nah I disagree
29 upvotes
phoenix_easton
following this thread
27 upvotes
Hailey Johnson
same here
26 upvotes
Kaylee F.
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
22 upvotes
Leah Kim
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great craft beer places. it's been a really good experience overall.
22 upvotes
Grayson Lee
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The pet-friendliness is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
19 upvotes
Ian N.
good to know, thanks
18 upvotes
Jack R.
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
18 upvotes
Nolan Torres
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
18 upvotes
Sarah Patel
couldn't agree more
16 upvotes
Chloe Rogers
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 38, moved here 9 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Springfield and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The community vibe situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
15 upvotes
Everett Cooper
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Miami about 2 years ago. The main reasons were work and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are developing, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
14 upvotes
austinrunner2022
this is the way
14 upvotes
loving_joseph90
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 4 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
13 upvotes
Elizabeth
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 11 years. Moved from New York for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is decent - we have biking trails 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Winters are long and cold. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Emmett Reyes
good to know, thanks
9 upvotes
Kayden Ross
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Phoenix 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 Eastside. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in marketing. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
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