So, I grew up here but left for a while. Average temperature is around 42--F, so bundle up in winter. Median household income is $49,904, which feels on the lower side for the area. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
7 upvotes
10 Replies
Madelyn Cruz
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
39 upvotes
Leo Gonzalez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Cedar Grove. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
37 upvotes
Jordan
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
36 upvotes
Piper Diaz
100%
33 upvotes
Audrey Lopez
Came here for school and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The cost of living is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
31 upvotes
Eli C.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
30 upvotes
Parker Torres
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 11 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
15 upvotes
Mateo Cooper
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Riverside. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in education. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Southern.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
13 upvotes
Isabelle Morales
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in The Heights. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in real estate. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Definitely worth checking out..
11 upvotes
charlotte_heart
I'm a real estate agent and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
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