Curious what people think. Poverty rate is 11.9%, which is around average. Crime rate is something to consider -Hoquiam sits at 634.1 per 100K. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Has anyone dealt with this? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
8 upvotes
7 Replies
audrey_heart
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely average and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Eastside) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
30 upvotes
Grayson Diaz
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
28 upvotes
Joseph Williams
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 13 years. Moved from Houston for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is pretty good - 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. The Heights schools are better than expected. 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. Property taxes are high. Limited shopping options. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Xavier Rodriguez
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
23 upvotes
Jack W.
noted, appreciate it
19 upvotes
Leah G.
I work in finance here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
14 upvotes
Brooks Brooks
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Boston about 12 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are competitive, gas is pretty good.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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