Curious what people think. I'm a teacher here and Household incomes average around $120,279 in New River. With a population of 18,365, New River is a small town. The unemployment rate is 2.0%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Any advice would be great. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
14 upvotes
6 Replies
Hazel Lopez
preach
35 upvotes
kai_lover
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 34, moved here 10 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in The Heights and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The traffic situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Diego, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K 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.
27 upvotes
Ruby Lee
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 Austin for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
consulting is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. 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 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. Property taxes are high. Can feel isolated. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Nevaeh Torres
spot on
19 upvotes
Dennis A.
noted, appreciate it
19 upvotes
Eliana Carter
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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