Longtime lurker here, The median home value here is around $538,700, which is pretty steep. The unemployment rate is 4.1%, which is about average. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Does this match your experience? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
5 upvotes
24 Replies
Everly A.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is nightlife. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
40 upvotes
Aubrey Sanchez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is dating scene. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
38 upvotes
ariana_native
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 36, moved here 9 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Fairview and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Property taxes are high
3. The food scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
36 upvotes
Logan Cook
accurate
32 upvotes
Luca Watson
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is solid in most areas.
31 upvotes
Lillian Nguyen
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
31 upvotes
Everett Turner
Moved here from Minneapolis about 14 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to cost of living but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
30 upvotes
Christian S.
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 7 years. Moved from Boston for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. hospitality 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 not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have ski resorts 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 underrated. 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. Dating scene is rough. Far from beaches/mountains. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Eli Rogers
as a local I can confirm
27 upvotes
Everly Diaz
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to New York it's hit or miss.
27 upvotes
Ralph T.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely average and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
22 upvotes
Levi R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 49, moved here 7 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Pine Hills and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The public transit situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for remote workers. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
21 upvotes
Matthew Garcia
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 51, moved here 10 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Greenfield and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The cost of living situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Denver, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K 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.
16 upvotes
Joseph Long
Can confirm, been here 3 years.
16 upvotes
Autumn Brown
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 2 years. Moved from Portland for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. consulting 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:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is improving - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Road conditions need improvement. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Owen T.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
13 upvotes
Brooks Anderson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Boston it's excellent.
10 upvotes
Nova Johnson
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Greenfield area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
5 upvotes
Riley Williams
Totally agree!
4 upvotes
Grace Morgan
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much affordable but now it's underrated.
3 upvotes
Ruby Nelson
lol so true
3 upvotes
Daniel K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 50, moved here 9 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in East and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cultural scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Chicago, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
2 upvotes
Carter Kelly
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is community vibe. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
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