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Elizabeth Watson moving

Moving from Tampa to Tempe next month

I'm single, late 40s, and Average temperature is around 75°F, so it's warm year-round. Median household income is $77,643, which feels about average for the area. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
8 upvotes

11 Replies

Joshua
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much wild but now it's solid.
35 upvotes
Andrew King
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is excellent in most areas.
30 upvotes
Madelyn
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Downtown area are challenging. Kids love it here.
30 upvotes
Naomi
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want dating scene, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
28 upvotes
Dominic Davis
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
25 upvotes
John K.
not my experience at all
21 upvotes
Serenity Mitchell
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 13 years. Moved from New York for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.

**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have lakes 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Chain restaurants dominate. And housing market can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Quinn R.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
5 upvotes
Alice
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. No regrets on my end..
1 upvotes
Elizabeth Alvarez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.

I'm a sales manager who relocated here from LA about 11 years ago. The main reasons were family and my partner's job.

Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons

Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Homeless population growing downtown

Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is excellent.

Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. No regrets on my end..
0 upvotes
Cameron Ortiz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a chef, 40, moved here 10 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The housing market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Seattle, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.

**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
0 upvotes
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