Should I move to Mountain Home or stay in Houston?
The median home value here is around $270,700, which seems about average. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. What do you all think?
4 upvotes
12 Replies
Paisley Carter
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 38, moved here 10 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Uptown and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally decent - 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 community vibe situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
36 upvotes
Carter Davis
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from San Francisco about 14 years ago. The main reasons were school and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are developing, gas is average.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
30 upvotes
Vivian L.
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
28 upvotes
Hudson Jones
facts
27 upvotes
Clara Hall
couldn't agree more
25 upvotes
Wesley A.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 11 years. Moved from Minneapolis for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2024 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. real estate 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 underrated - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Far from beaches/mountains. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Victoria Mendoza
This.
19 upvotes
Roman Gomez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Happy to answer more specific questions..
14 upvotes
Leo T.
not my experience at all
10 upvotes
Ariana
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Seattle it's average.
8 upvotes
Emily Clark
I'm a project manager and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
5 upvotes
Autumn K.
I've lived in Downtown for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Lots of new development happening
- The public transit scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
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