So, I grew up here but left for a while. Poverty rate is 4.8%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $125,135, which feels pretty solid for the area. Homes are going for about $696,200 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Valhalla sits at 180.7 per 100K. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to.
13 upvotes
5 Replies
Aurora Gray
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Highland. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in tech. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
40 upvotes
jaxguy2020
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 50, moved here 5 years ago from Miami. I've lived in West and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The housing market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for young professionals. challenging vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Miami, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K 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.
35 upvotes
Audrey Gray
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
32 upvotes
Jackson Adams
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 3 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
15 upvotes
Theodore Scott
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. community vibe used to be much growing but now it's average.
All Countries
