So, Born and raised here. The unemployment rate is 2.9%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $964 for rent here. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. TIA! People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
5 upvotes
13 Replies
Sebastian Nelson
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cultural scene. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
39 upvotes
Hudson Flores
I've lived in The Heights for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Affordable housing options
- The job market scene is decent
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
29 upvotes
mesa_jaxon
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Atlanta about 3 years ago. The main reasons were family and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are established, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
27 upvotes
Nicholas Hughes
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Riverside. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in retail. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
25 upvotes
Connor Price
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Westside) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
24 upvotes
Eli Baker
good to know, thanks
23 upvotes
Nora Morris
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 14 years. Moved from Phoenix for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2018 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook schools are underrated. 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. Limited high-paying job options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Scarlett R.
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
16 upvotes
Mason Y.
I'm a chef and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is average and there's always something going on.
16 upvotes
Ronald R.
accurate
15 upvotes
Eva Gray
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 5 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
3 upvotes
Jayden Parker
+1
2 upvotes
Evan Price
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Sunset area are average. Kids love it here.
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