Anyone else feel this way? The unemployment rate is 4.2%, which is about average. Crime rate is something to consider -Perry sits at 337.4 per 100K. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
2 upvotes
13 Replies
Mark C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Maple Ridge. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in legal. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
37 upvotes
Scarlett Ruiz
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 11 years. Moved from San Diego for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. legal 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 been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. The Heights schools are average. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Limited shopping options. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Elizabeth Jackson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in North. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Hope this helps!.
36 upvotes
scarlett_kid
Moved here last year, no regrets.
33 upvotes
Nolan
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The school system is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
32 upvotes
Charlotte Reed
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
30 upvotes
Christine L.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Charlotte about 2 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are growing, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Charlotte M.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
26 upvotes
Wesley L.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 4 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
20 upvotes
Harper Nelson
interesting, hadn't considered that
13 upvotes
Isaac Smith
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in North. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in marketing. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Italian.
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