First post here. The unemployment rate is 1.6%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Stedman sits at 426.9 per 100K. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Am I overthinking this?
2 upvotes
11 Replies
Eleanor Stewart
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 49, moved here 1 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Maple Ridge and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The healthcare situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Tampa, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
39 upvotes
Joseph H.
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 4 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. engineering 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is tough - we have hiking 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 better than expected. 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. Can feel isolated. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Kai Walker
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
30 upvotes
Thomas Garcia
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 9 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
29 upvotes
orlando_riley
wish I knew this sooner
24 upvotes
Jameson Miller
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Houston about 15 years ago. The main reasons were work and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Active local events and festivals
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
20 upvotes
Ariana Thompson
facts
19 upvotes
Liam Brooks
Moved here from Phoenix about 14 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to safety but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
Robert C.
preach
7 upvotes
Harper Kim
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 44, moved here 7 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Eastside and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The community vibe situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
5 upvotes
Mason Mendoza
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want healthcare, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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