Hey, I've been here for 1 years and Poverty rate is 0.4%, which is pretty low. The unemployment rate is 1.9%, which is pretty low. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. Should I be concerned? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
13 upvotes
8 Replies
charlottechef2021
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 39, moved here 2 years ago from Austin. I've lived in South and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The outdoor recreation situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for remote workers. tough vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Austin, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
40 upvotes
Aubrey Bailey
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
27 upvotes
Nicholas R.
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great seafood places. I love the pace of life here.
18 upvotes
Melanie Mendoza
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
17 upvotes
Josiah Perez
it depends on the neighborhood
16 upvotes
Aaron Reyes
great question, following
15 upvotes
nyc_adrian
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 7 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
12 upvotes
Axel Roberts
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to LA it's average.