Hey, My partner and I are Median household income is $47,132, which feels on the lower side for the area. It's a a smaller city city with about 40,669 people. Crime rate is something to consider -State College sits at 92.1 per 100K. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
9 upvotes
6 Replies
Scarlett 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 15 years. Moved from Seattle for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. construction 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 love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have biking trails 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 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. Limited public transit options. Rising rent and home prices. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Camila C.
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The walkability is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
38 upvotes
Michael Ortiz
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 3 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to dating scene but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
25 upvotes
Aria G.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
22 upvotes
Aria C.
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
7 upvotes
Delilah Thompson
I've lived in North for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. 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:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- The school system scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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