We have two kids and It's a a small town city with about 14,051 people. With a population of 14,051, Artondale is a small town. Poverty rate is 1.0%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $714,000 on average. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
Pros:
- Good schools
- Easy commute
- Walkable downtown
- Good airport connections
Cons:
- Traffic can be terrible
- Cold winters
- Not very walkable
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Not enough green space
What would you do? Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up.
11 upvotes
14 Replies
Thomas Murphy
good to know, thanks
39 upvotes
nashville_stella
I work in engineering here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is underrated. Feel free to reach out with questions..
35 upvotes
Eli Wilson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 31, moved here 4 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Highland and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Limited shopping options
3. The job market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Denver, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K 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.
34 upvotes
Victoria Howard
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 48, moved here 11 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Westside and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The dating scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Tampa, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K 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.
30 upvotes
desert_ezekiel30
I work in construction here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is challenging. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
29 upvotes
Aurora B.
This.
26 upvotes
Carter Wilson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Oak Park. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in legal. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like sushi.
No regrets on my end..
17 upvotes
Connor Carter
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 8 years ago. The main reasons were work and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is challenging.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Hope this helps!.
17 upvotes
Benjamin Lopez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if dating scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
16 upvotes
Charlotte Chavez
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in The Heights area are challenging. Kids love it here.
16 upvotes
Santiago Alvarez
exactly what I was thinking
16 upvotes
Easton Nelson
lol so true
12 upvotes
Everett B.
I've lived in West for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The healthcare scene is solid
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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