Been meaning to ask this. You can expect to pay around $983 for rent here. Homes are going for about $192,500 on average. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. What would you do? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. 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. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
15 upvotes
14 Replies
Jacob F.
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much pricey but now it's average.
40 upvotes
Adrian
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Minneapolis about 8 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are growing, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
40 upvotes
Katherine Taylor
I'm a social worker and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is average and there's always something going on.
36 upvotes
Lucy
not my experience at all
35 upvotes
Sebastian Nelson
Moved here from Atlanta about 5 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to job market but No regrets on my end..
34 upvotes
Skylar Hill
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 29, moved here 15 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The traffic situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for singles. average 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 Boston, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K 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.
32 upvotes
Janice E.
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The nightlife is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
31 upvotes
Jack Carter
thanks for sharing
27 upvotes
Mackenzie J.
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much wild but now it's pretty good.
26 upvotes
Samuel Long
Moved here from Phoenix about 15 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to traffic but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
15 upvotes
Axel Roberts
couldn't agree more
13 upvotes
Cameron Brooks
noted, appreciate it
12 upvotes
Santiago Young
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 6 years. Moved from Chicago for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
tech is strong here. hospitality 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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 hit or miss. 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 job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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