Hey, I grew up here but left for a while. Homes are going for about $255,000 on average. Average temperature is around 74--F, so it's warm year-round. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Would love some local perspective. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
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Scarlett Davis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 30, moved here 5 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in The Heights and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The healthcare situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for remote workers. tough 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.