So, I grew up here but left for a while. The unemployment rate is 4.1%, which is about average. The suburbs are where most families end up. Anyone in a similar situation? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
13 upvotes
23 Replies
native_delilah39
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
40 upvotes
Owen Martin
Came here for weather and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The traffic is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
38 upvotes
Melanie P.
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.
37 upvotes
Sofia Bennett
The food scene here is average. Tons of great craft beer places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
35 upvotes
Leo Thomas
Came here for family and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor recreation is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
35 upvotes
Sebastian Allen
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
30 upvotes
elena_walker
+1
28 upvotes
Weston R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 3 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
hospitality is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Fairview schools are improving. 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. Nightlife is limited. Homeless population growing downtown. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Jonathan Stewart
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The food scene is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
27 upvotes
Victoria Foster
nah I disagree
23 upvotes
Silas Taylor
I've lived in Uptown for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
- The cultural scene scene is improving
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
20 upvotes
Cameron B.
I've lived in Highland for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good schools in most areas
- The public transit scene is tough
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
14 upvotes
Miles Edwards
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 52, moved here 3 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Fairview and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally tough - 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 weather situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Portland, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
13 upvotes
Jack Ruiz
underrated comment
13 upvotes
Nancy B.
Moved here from San Diego about 9 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to food scene but Happy to answer more specific questions..
13 upvotes
Julian
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 11 years. Moved from Baltimore for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2019 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland 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. Limited public transit options. Urban sprawl is real. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Harper Martinez
Used to live on the North side, now on the South side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
12 upvotes
Allison K.
Saving this thread
11 upvotes
Ezekiel
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 26, moved here 12 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Sunset and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The outdoor recreation situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 San Francisco, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
6 upvotes
nyc_josiah
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 3 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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