Hey, With a population of 395K, Arlington is a mid-size city. Median household income is $73,519, which feels about average for the area. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
53 upvotes
4 Replies
Jackson Brooks
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Highland. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in education. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
Adrian Ward
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 26, moved here 9 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The traffic situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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
Jacob White
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 7 years. Moved from Miami for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is average - 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. South schools are improving. 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 public transit options. Homeless population growing downtown. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Owen Torres
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 2 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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