Longtime lurker here, I'm a 48-year-old social worker and Median household income is $91,006, which feels pretty solid for the area. You can expect to pay around $1,691 for rent here. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
7 upvotes
4 Replies
Josiah Murphy
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 40, moved here 13 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in West and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The nightlife situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Baltimore, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
37 upvotes
dallas_mason
good to know, thanks
24 upvotes
David M.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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