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Nathan Scott
housing
Studio apartments in Orinda -options?
Not sure if this has been asked before, but
7 upvotes
5 Replies
Addison Gray
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 Nashville for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. finance 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 improved dramatically in recent years. 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. The Heights schools are tough. 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. Can feel isolated. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in The Heights for 12 years. Moved from Nashville for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. finance 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 improved dramatically in recent years. 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. The Heights schools are tough. 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. Can feel isolated. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
nycpapa2025
interesting, hadn't considered that
37 upvotes
Jace Cook
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Cedar Grove. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in tech. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like sushi.
No regrets on my end..
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Cedar Grove. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in tech. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like sushi.
No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Oliver Ruiz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely better than expected and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely better than expected and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
37 upvotes
Willow Miller
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 4 years. Moved from Dallas for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2023 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. consulting 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. Highland schools are tough. 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited shopping options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Highland for 4 years. Moved from Dallas for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2023 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. consulting 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. Highland schools are tough. 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited shopping options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes