Random thought, Been living here since 2018. The median home value here is around $466,600, which is pretty steep. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Am I wrong here? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
3 upvotes
12 Replies
Genesis Ortiz
I'm a physical therapist and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is average and there's always something going on.
40 upvotes
Carter
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
37 upvotes
Hannah Richardson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 11 years. Moved from San Francisco for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is average - 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. South schools are surprisingly good. 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. Urban sprawl is real. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Ethan G.
seconding this
21 upvotes
Lucas T.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
20 upvotes
mateo_dude
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely average and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
15 upvotes
Paisley Hill
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
13 upvotes
Mackenzie Evans
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
7 upvotes
zoey_walker
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The school system is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
6 upvotes
Natalie Reyes
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
5 upvotes
Andrew Lee
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from LA about 15 years ago. The main reasons were school and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is tough.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Hope this helps!.
5 upvotes
Brooklyn Carter
Bought a house here in 2023 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone about the same since then.
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