So, My partner and I are Household incomes average around $100,819 in Saugus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
19 upvotes
12 Replies
Madelyn Walker
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is decent in most areas.
33 upvotes
Peyton Cooper
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 15 years ago. The main reasons were school and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Good luck with whatever you decide..
29 upvotes
Cora Wright
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 8 years. Moved from Baltimore for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is improving - 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 excellent. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
houstonheart2025
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
27 upvotes
Dylan Hill
this is the way
24 upvotes
Lydia Ross
Used to live on the Fairview side, now on the Pine Hills side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
23 upvotes
Ella Johnson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely improving and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (West) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. food 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.
21 upvotes
Camila Morris
I've lived in South for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Four distinct seasons
- The community vibe scene is average
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
21 upvotes
Theodore S.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
18 upvotes
Maverick
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 9 years. Moved from Austin for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. West schools are pretty good. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Bugs and humidity in summer. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
3 upvotes
Matthew P.
bump
2 upvotes
Savannah Gomez
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
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