The unemployment rate is 2.8%, which is pretty low. Poverty rate is 0.5%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $203,500, which is actually reasonable. 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. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
11 upvotes
8 Replies
nycpapa2025
I work in government here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Definitely worth checking out..
40 upvotes
Aubrey Carter
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 6 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
36 upvotes
Julia T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 53, moved here 14 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in North and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The school system situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for remote workers. average vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Chicago, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K 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.
35 upvotes
Adam Diaz
Bought a house here in 2021 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
31 upvotes
nola_skylar
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is solid in most areas.
30 upvotes
Oliver Miller
I've lived in The Heights for about 12 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 Phoenix, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The dating scene scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
26 upvotes
Miles Nelson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Denver about 5 years ago. The main reasons were work and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are developing, gas is excellent.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. No regrets on my end..
25 upvotes
Frances M.
Moved here from LA about 8 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to food scene but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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