My family moved here when I was a kid. Would love some local perspective.
1 upvotes
15 Replies
Sarah Wood
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 3 years. Moved from Houston for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2022 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have desert landscapes 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 solid. 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. Can feel isolated. Dating scene is rough. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Hailey Ortiz
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Midtown area are decent. Kids love it here.
33 upvotes
Asher G.
Bought a house here in 2019 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone about the same since then.
31 upvotes
lafan2020
haha yep pretty much
30 upvotes
Genesis Cruz
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Midtown area are challenging. Kids love it here.
29 upvotes
Aubrey W.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is improving in most areas.
29 upvotes
Logan Garcia
This.
28 upvotes
Ezra A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 30, moved here 13 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Springfield and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Property taxes are high
3. The traffic situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Denver, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K 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
Sophie Kelly
underrated comment
17 upvotes
Jack Long
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely excellent and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Sunset) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Can feel isolated.
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.
17 upvotes
jaxnative2022
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 7 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
16 upvotes
Nevaeh R.
hmm interesting perspective
14 upvotes
Miles S.
I'm a accountant and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
11 upvotes
Vivian Reyes
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I genuinely enjoy living here. Compared to Minneapolis it's solid.
9 upvotes
Victoria W.
I work in hospitality here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is challenging. Would recommend to anyone considering it..