My partner and I are The unemployment rate is 3.5%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. Anyone in a similar situation? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
10 upvotes
15 Replies
Sophie Hall
accurate
38 upvotes
Nicholas Wright
Bought a house here in 2021 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
34 upvotes
Natalie Cooper
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 3 years ago. The main reasons were work and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is improving.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
30 upvotes
Aria C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 34, moved here 3 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Springfield and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Can feel isolated
3. The public transit situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 San Francisco, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K 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.
29 upvotes
Mackenzie M.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
29 upvotes
Ian Gutierrez
I've lived in Highland for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- The safety scene is solid
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. No regrets on my end..
28 upvotes
Jack O.
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 7 years. Moved from Miami for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2016 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. consulting 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's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is decent - 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 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Bugs and humidity in summer. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Kayden Lewis
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in North area are challenging. Kids love it here.
18 upvotes
Jack S.
I'm a pharmacist and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
14 upvotes
Valentina Jimenez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is improving in most areas.
14 upvotes
Gabriel
literally same
13 upvotes
Katherine Peterson
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much manageable but now it's improving.
5 upvotes
Kayden Green
literally same
3 upvotes
Greyson Alvarez
I'm a lawyer and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
3 upvotes
Evelyn Ramirez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 9 years. Moved from Atlanta for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. marketing 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 genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have hiking trails 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 challenging. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Property taxes are high. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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