OK so Just moved here 17 months ago and Crime rate is something to consider -Mastic sits at 22.0 per 100K. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cheers. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
14 upvotes
13 Replies
Olivia Sanchez
glad someone said it
39 upvotes
Camila K.
exactly what I was thinking
32 upvotes
Ethan Lee
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The safety is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
32 upvotes
Elijah R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 12 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
28 upvotes
Addison Walker
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in West area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
21 upvotes
Ezekiel Ward
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 12 years. Moved from Portland for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly 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 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. real estate 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 wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. The Heights schools are tough. 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. Limited high-paying job options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Eva W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 25, moved here 1 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The cost of living situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for young professionals. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Charlotte, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K 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.
17 upvotes
Reagan P.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
15 upvotes
Carolyn T.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely excellent and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Westside) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
10 upvotes
Michael C.
as a local I can confirm
10 upvotes
Addison Gutierrez
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
All Countries
