Hi all, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Average temperature is around 62--F, so the weather is moderate. Poverty rate is 8.2%, which is pretty low. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Does this match your experience? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
8 upvotes
9 Replies
Katherine
hmm interesting perspective
37 upvotes
Jace Patel
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 58, moved here 12 years ago from LA. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally surprisingly 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 food scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 LA, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
30 upvotes
Ella King
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
18 upvotes
Levi Sanders
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
9 upvotes
Bella
good to know, thanks
7 upvotes
Julia Edwards
I've lived in The Heights for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The job market scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
6 upvotes
Connor W.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 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 3-bed in Pine Hills. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in engineering. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Korean.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
3 upvotes
Roman Richardson
100%
2 upvotes
Roman Rogers
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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