First post here. Been living here since 2024. It's a a smaller city city with about 48,610 people. Poverty rate is 5.4%, which is pretty low. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Has anyone dealt with this? Thanks! Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
19 upvotes
17 Replies
Victoria B.
lol so true
38 upvotes
Skylar H.
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
36 upvotes
Donna M.
interesting, hadn't considered that
34 upvotes
Jean C.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Houston it's excellent.
32 upvotes
Nevaeh Anderson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Houston it's solid.
28 upvotes
Kai
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 7 years. Moved from Seattle for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. engineering 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's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is pretty good - 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. The Heights schools are solid. 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. Dating scene is rough. Bugs and humidity in summer. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Emma
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 13 years. Moved from Portland for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. construction 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. Old Town schools are tough. 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. Property taxes are high. Limited entertainment options. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
19 upvotes
Elijah Cruz
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much competitive but now it's average.
19 upvotes
Brooklyn H.
wish I knew this sooner
18 upvotes
Rylee Morales
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
18 upvotes
Elijah
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the Westside side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
18 upvotes
Evan F.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 45, moved here 15 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Uptown and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The cultural scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Phoenix, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K 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.
17 upvotes
Johnny A.
underrated comment
12 upvotes
true_charlotte50
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 6 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
James D.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 11 years. Moved from Houston for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. 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:**
tech is strong here. real estate 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's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. East schools are excellent. 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. Urban sprawl is real. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
Ellie P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 12 years. Moved from Portland for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. 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 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. East schools are excellent. 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 high-paying job options. Limited entertainment options. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
miami_lillian
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much growing but now it's average.
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