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tucsondude2022
jobs
Best companies to work for in Arlington?
OK so It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
19 upvotes
24 Replies
Caleb Morris
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Dallas about 2 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
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 wild, gas is solid.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Dallas about 2 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
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 wild, gas is solid.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
40 upvotes
Naomi Brown
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great sushi places. it exceeded my expectations.
40 upvotes
Ethan Brown
hmm interesting perspective
39 upvotes
Violet Ramos
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely average and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely average and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
37 upvotes
Karen P.
Can confirm, been here 8 years.
35 upvotes
Cameron Gomez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Old Town. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Definitely worth checking out..
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Old Town. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Definitely worth checking out..
34 upvotes
Adeline Cruz
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
32 upvotes
Kinsley Harris
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want healthcare, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
31 upvotes
Luna B.
Bought a house here in 2024 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
24 upvotes
Mackenzie
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 40, moved here 14 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Riverside and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The food scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Nashville, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K 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.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 40, moved here 14 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Riverside and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The food scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Nashville, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K 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.
23 upvotes
Owen Jackson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Charlotte it's pretty good.
23 upvotes
Cora Rodriguez
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
23 upvotes
Parker Collins
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Portland it's improving.
21 upvotes
Zoe M.
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The safety is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
20 upvotes
Andrew Thompson
not my experience at all
16 upvotes
Jayden Lee
I work in healthcare here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is challenging. Happy to answer more specific questions..
15 upvotes
Aiden Collins
haha yep pretty much
13 upvotes
nola_wyatt
wish I knew this sooner
12 upvotes
Caleb Carter
nah I disagree
10 upvotes
Oliver Brown
I'm a teacher and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
10 upvotes
Eleanor Campbell
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
8 upvotes
Dominic
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Tampa about 11 years ago. The main reasons were weather and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I'm a writer who relocated here from Tampa about 11 years ago. The main reasons were weather and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
6 upvotes
Adam Adams
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 13 years. Moved from San Francisco for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. 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 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown 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. Winters are long and cold. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Downtown for 13 years. Moved from San Francisco for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. 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 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown 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. Winters are long and cold. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
tucson_scarlett
thanks for sharing
2 upvotes