I'm originally from San Francisco and Household incomes average around $86,485 in Maryland Heights. Homes are going for about $215,300 on average. The median home value here is around $215,300, which is actually reasonable. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Am I overthinking this? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
22 upvotes
15 Replies
Anna Green
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 14 years. Moved from Boston for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is average - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are surprisingly good. 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. Nightlife is limited. Road conditions need improvement. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
mesaheart2020
Came here for quality of life and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The traffic is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
34 upvotes
Camila
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great farm-to-table places. the quality of life is solid.
33 upvotes
Albert H.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely underrated and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Uptown) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
33 upvotes
Sebastian Ward
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 11 years. Moved from Seattle for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
finance is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is improving - we have desert landscapes 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 excellent. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Limited entertainment options. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Roman Robinson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Houston about 10 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are reasonable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
32 upvotes
Allison Wood
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 1 years. Moved from Nashville for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2024 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. construction 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are surprisingly good. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Michael R.
yep
23 upvotes
Roman Gomez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Tampa about 9 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is tough.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
Madeline Myers
not my experience at all
15 upvotes
nashvillemama2020
hard disagree but ok
15 upvotes
Brooks Perez
Saving this thread
14 upvotes
Lucas Foster
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Dallas about 3 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are competitive, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
13 upvotes
Wyatt Carter
Bought a house here in 2024 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone about the same since then.
4 upvotes
Clara Thomas
I'm a HR manager and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
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