The unemployment rate is 2.4%, which is pretty low. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Anyone in a similar situation? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
5 upvotes
20 Replies
Nolan Edwards
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 1 years. Moved from Baltimore for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is tough - 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 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Can feel isolated. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Emma J.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
37 upvotes
Clara
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
37 upvotes
raised_mason11
not my experience at all
34 upvotes
Samuel Moore
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 43, moved here 8 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Uptown and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited shopping options
3. The cost of living situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Boston, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
33 upvotes
violet_papa
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Chicago about 13 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is underrated.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. No regrets on my end..
31 upvotes
Sofia M.
yep
29 upvotes
Isaiah
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Maple Ridge for 3 years. Moved from Seattle for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. government 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 pretty good - 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. Maple Ridge 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. Rising rent and home prices. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
atlheart2021
This.
25 upvotes
Evelyn Reed
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want dating scene, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
22 upvotes
Autumn
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 15 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
21 upvotes
Caleb Scott
Moved here from Dallas about 1 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to cost of living but Happy to answer more specific questions..
17 upvotes
sacramento_carter
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 13 years. Moved from Atlanta for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is solid - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are average. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Dating scene is rough. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Avery Bennett
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. Definitely worth checking out..
15 upvotes
Jack Richardson
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
12 upvotes
Camila
Moved here from Denver about 4 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to walkability but Definitely worth checking out..
11 upvotes
Henry Campbell
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
10 upvotes
Jonathan B.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Greenfield. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in finance. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Southern.
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