Longtime lurker here, Military spouse here. Rent is about $1,191/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 3.4%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $91,397, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
14 upvotes
13 Replies
Cora Mitchell
I've lived in The Heights for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- The healthcare scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
40 upvotes
Ryan W.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
37 upvotes
Sophie Thomas
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 50, moved here 11 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Westside and Lakewood, 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. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The dating scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Phoenix, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K 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.
27 upvotes
Olivia Reed
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Houston it's tough.
26 upvotes
Jordan
Bought a house here in 2015 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
24 upvotes
Mateo Cooper
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Dallas it's decent.
23 upvotes
Ellie Ramos
glad someone said it
23 upvotes
Everett Morris
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great Mediterranean places. I love the pace of life here.
21 upvotes
Kayden
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Definitely worth checking out..
20 upvotes
Gabriel
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely decent and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (South) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe 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.
18 upvotes
Gianna Cox
Bought a house here in 2015 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
6 upvotes
Lillian Thomas
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
4 upvotes
Luna Roberts
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely pretty good and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
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