Median household income is $50,417, which feels on the lower side for the area. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
0 upvotes
12 Replies
Thomas Morales
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely solid and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Eastside) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
36 upvotes
Nora R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 25, moved here 2 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in North 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. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Summers can be brutally hot
3. The food scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for young professionals. decent 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 San Diego, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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
Madeline Evans
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Cedar Grove. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in marketing. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like sushi.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
Andrew R.
I've lived in The Heights for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Affordable housing options
- The housing market scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Good luck with whatever you decide..
24 upvotes
Nicholas W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 2 years. Moved from Raleigh for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is average - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are improving. 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. Winters are long and cold. Urban sprawl is real. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Sarah F.
couldn't agree more
19 upvotes
Lily Brown
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
11 upvotes
Caroline Rodriguez
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Korean places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
8 upvotes
Landon Clark
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely solid and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Downtown) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
7 upvotes
Caleb Parker
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The walkability scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Good luck with whatever you decide..
6 upvotes
Camila Harris
Moved here from Nashville about 14 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to cultural scene but No regrets on my end..
0 upvotes
Riley Rodriguez
Used to live on the Westside side, now on the North side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
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