Anyone else feel this way? I grew up here but left for a while. It's a a small town city with about 12,748 people. The median home value here is around $212,800, which is actually reasonable. Crime rate is something to consider -Gonzales sits at 557.6 per 100K. Average temperature is around 69--F, so the weather is moderate. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Should I be concerned? The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
6 upvotes
6 Replies
Jordan R.
noted, appreciate it
31 upvotes
Sadie C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 15 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
13 upvotes
Kennedy C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from LA about 12 years ago. The main reasons were work and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is decent.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. No regrets on my end..
11 upvotes
real_cameron38
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from New York about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are reasonable, gas is improving.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Good luck with whatever you decide..
11 upvotes
Gianna Collins
I've lived in The Heights for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
- The cultural scene scene is solid
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
8 upvotes
Katherine Thompson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in South. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in legal. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
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