Anyone else feel this way? Homes are going for about $2,000,001 on average. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Let me know your thoughts. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
9 upvotes
9 Replies
proud_eliana38
Saving this thread
38 upvotes
Julian S.
underrated comment
33 upvotes
emily_local
Moved here from San Diego about 14 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to food scene but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
31 upvotes
Addison Scott
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Maple Ridge. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
Mia Thomas
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
14 upvotes
Gianna W.
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 Portland for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. consulting 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:**
it was the best decision I ever made. 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. 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. Property taxes are high. Far from beaches/mountains. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Easton
glad someone said it
12 upvotes
Ariana Scott
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely excellent and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (East) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability 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.
4 upvotes
Michael Roberts
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..