I'm a 48-year-old firefighter and It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
11 upvotes
8 Replies
Genesis C.
100%
40 upvotes
Diane M.
seconding this
32 upvotes
Hazel Gutierrez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Good luck with whatever you decide..
31 upvotes
Caleb Lopez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 49, moved here 2 years ago from Houston. I've lived in The Heights and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The safety situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for families. decent vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Houston, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K 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.
29 upvotes
Bennett Lopez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Tampa about 5 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are wild, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Hope this helps!.
21 upvotes
Anna F.
couldn't agree more
16 upvotes
Arianna Evans
Used to live on the East side, now on the Maple Ridge side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.