OK so I relocated for work and With a population of 11,913, Show Low is a small town. The unemployment rate is 2.9%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $63,376, which feels about average for the area. It's a a small town city with about 11,913 people. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Am I overthinking this? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
10 upvotes
14 Replies
Harper Phillips
yeah no that's not right
40 upvotes
Eli Wilson
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 Houston, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
- The nightlife scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
37 upvotes
Grace Mitchell
+1
28 upvotes
Sofia Carter
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 35, moved here 10 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Westside and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Growing food and restaurant scene
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The cultural scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Phoenix, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
24 upvotes
Isabelle P.
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
23 upvotes
Andrew Miller
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Tampa about 5 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is excellent.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
21 upvotes
Julian
Totally agree!
21 upvotes
Audrey Cooper
nah I disagree
20 upvotes
Clara G.
Moved here from Baltimore about 2 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to weather but Hope this helps!.
15 upvotes
Nolan
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Denver about 9 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is solid.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
11 upvotes
loving_xavier87
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
8 upvotes
Caroline Lee
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
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