Been meaning to ask this. Been living here since 2023. Crime rate is something to consider — Hampton sits at 295.1 per 100K. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
48 upvotes
14 Replies
Aria D.
same here
38 upvotes
Nicholas
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely improving and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Eastside) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit 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.
35 upvotes
Maverick Morales
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. food scene used to be much competitive but now it's better than expected.
34 upvotes
sdmind2022
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 4 years. Moved from Tampa for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have mountains 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 average. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Limited high-paying job options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Mason
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 2 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is solid.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
31 upvotes
Aiden Patel
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 9 years. Moved from Atlanta for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is solid - we have beaches 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 surprisingly good. 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. Dating scene is rough. And housing market 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.
31 upvotes
Jordan M.
good to know, thanks
28 upvotes
Liam
yeah no that's not right
26 upvotes
Wayne H.
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
26 upvotes
Kevin A.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 15 years. Moved from Denver for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2021 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:**
healthcare is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are challenging. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Dating scene is rough. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Kinsley Roberts
I've lived in Greenfield for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- The pet-friendliness scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Happy to answer more specific questions..
13 upvotes
naomi_vibes
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Salt Lake City it's surprisingly good.
10 upvotes
Benjamin Rogers
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
7 upvotes
Nova Taylor
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Pittsburgh it's surprisingly good.
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