We're a young couple and Homes are going for about $176,200 on average. You can expect to pay around $932 for rent here. Rent is about $932/month for a decent place. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Am I overthinking this? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
6 upvotes
12 Replies
Jose Rogers
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want traffic, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
37 upvotes
Jacob A.
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much affordable but now it's challenging.
30 upvotes
Isabella
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 5 years. Moved from Atlanta for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
marketing is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is pretty 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. The Heights 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited high-paying job options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Matthew
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 53, moved here 8 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Lakewood and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The walkability situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Miami, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
26 upvotes
Ruby M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 14 years. Moved from San Diego for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is average - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills 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. Winters are long and cold. Not very walkable outside downtown. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Jack W.
good to know, thanks
23 upvotes
Aurora Ruiz
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
21 upvotes
nola_evan
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The safety is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
18 upvotes
Steven A.
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The cost of living is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
18 upvotes
Leo
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The public transit is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
14 upvotes
Charlotte T.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Downtown. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in tech. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Definitely worth checking out..
11 upvotes
Scarlett
Moved here from Minneapolis about 7 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to traffic but Definitely worth checking out..
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