Random thought, I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
3 upvotes
12 Replies
Sadie M.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is improving in most areas.
38 upvotes
Kaylee G.
I've lived in The Heights for about 3 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 Atlanta, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The walkability scene is decent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
37 upvotes
Jameson Miller
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Tampa about 8 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are affordable, gas is improving.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Feel free to reach out with questions..
35 upvotes
Aiden Jimenez
Moved here from Phoenix about 4 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to weather but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
34 upvotes
Samuel Cook
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 57, moved here 15 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Riverside and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Can feel isolated
3. The public transit situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Portland, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
33 upvotes
Ezekiel Hill
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
23 upvotes
Valentina Hill
noted, appreciate it
22 upvotes
Abigail Castillo
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 14 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
21 upvotes
Camila Peterson
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is outdoor recreation. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
17 upvotes
Jameson Clark
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The housing market is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
13 upvotes
seattle_ezekiel
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is job market. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
13 upvotes
true_axel63
Came here for weather and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The school system is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.