Curious what people think. Poverty rate is 5.2%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 48--F, so expect cold winters. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. Any advice would be great. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
2 upvotes
17 Replies
maverick_walker
Bought a house here in 2020 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
39 upvotes
Aria G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 29, moved here 2 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in The Heights and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The dating scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for remote workers. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K 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.
39 upvotes
Ian M.
Totally agree!
38 upvotes
Amelia Mendoza
yep
30 upvotes
Jayden Collins
hmm interesting perspective
28 upvotes
Emily King
literally same
28 upvotes
Colton Kelly
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
27 upvotes
Joshua Long
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 7 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is excellent.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
26 upvotes
Anna Ross
bump
26 upvotes
Gabriella Myers
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
26 upvotes
Luna Scott
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in The Heights. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in finance. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
20 upvotes
Julia Anderson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Houston about 5 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Happy to answer more specific questions..
13 upvotes
Isaac Morgan
yep
12 upvotes
Scarlett Alvarez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 3 years. Moved from San Francisco for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Westside schools are decent. 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 shopping options. Limited entertainment options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Dylan Nguyen
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
11 upvotes
Victoria Moore
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
10 upvotes
Lily Hall
I've lived in The Heights for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- The housing market scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited public transit options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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