We have two kids and Poverty rate is 4.7%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $361,800 on average. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Am I wrong here? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
14 upvotes
13 Replies
Hunter T.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Charlotte it's tough.
33 upvotes
Kyle T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 39, moved here 10 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in South and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The walkability situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
32 upvotes
Gabriella
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Cedar Grove. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
30 upvotes
Benjamin Roberts
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
29 upvotes
Allison Lopez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
28 upvotes
Austin Alvarez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Miami about 10 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are established, gas is excellent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Feel free to reach out with questions..
20 upvotes
Jonathan Phillips
same here
20 upvotes
Leah N.
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
19 upvotes
Connor H.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
8 upvotes
Christine R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Austin about 7 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Winters are long and cold
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is underrated.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
8 upvotes
Zoe Mendoza
Totally agree!
6 upvotes
Bennett Flores
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 46, moved here 5 years ago from LA. I've lived in Riverside and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The community vibe situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 LA, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K 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.
3 upvotes
lake_kai67
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Boston about 6 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are competitive, gas is excellent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. No regrets on my end..
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