Random thought, I'm originally from Dallas and Homes are going for about $455,900 on average. You can expect to pay around $1,651 for rent here. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
43 upvotes
29 Replies
Alice Martinez
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 10 years. Moved from Raleigh for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
finance is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is average - we have beaches 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 hit or miss. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Luca Parker
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The dating scene is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
33 upvotes
Patricia S.
I've lived in Downtown for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
- The cost of living scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
31 upvotes
Sofia Rogers
wish I knew this sooner
30 upvotes
Christian J.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 54, moved here 14 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Springfield and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The cultural scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for remote workers. average 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 Austin, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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
Benjamin Wilson
I've lived in Lakewood for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The weather scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
30 upvotes
Jonathan Cook
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if cultural scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
26 upvotes
Zachary E.
Can confirm, been here 6 years.
26 upvotes
Leo Hall
Can confirm, been here 8 years.
21 upvotes
Wyatt Mendoza
Moved here from San Francisco about 13 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to safety but Happy to answer more specific questions..
20 upvotes
Quinn Harris
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely challenging and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Eastside) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. job market 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.
19 upvotes
Ryan Reed
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Pine Hills area are challenging. Kids love it here.
19 upvotes
Isaiah H.
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
17 upvotes
greyson_local
Moved here last year, no regrets.
17 upvotes
Theodore T.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
15 upvotes
Ryan
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 24, moved here 4 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Midtown and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The food scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Atlanta, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K 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.
15 upvotes
Shirley G.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Riverside. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in government. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
14 upvotes
Paisley Sanchez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
13 upvotes
Elena Foster
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is improving in most areas.
12 upvotes
Nora Turner
yeah no that's not right
11 upvotes
Nathan Ramirez
yeah no that's not right
11 upvotes
Aria Reed
this is the way
9 upvotes
Aaron L.
same here
8 upvotes
Eva Patel
Moved here from Atlanta about 2 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to cost of living but Good luck with whatever you decide..
8 upvotes
Willow Cook
preach
5 upvotes
Levi Ruiz
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Maple Ridge area are improving. Kids love it here.
5 upvotes
Angel Parker
honestly same experience here
3 upvotes
Eliana D.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Sunset. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
1 upvotes
Camila R.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
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