Hey folks, Born and raised here. The unemployment rate is 1.7%, which is pretty low. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. What would you do? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development.
9 upvotes
14 Replies
Deborah R.
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
39 upvotes
Landon T.
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
39 upvotes
Roman Nelson
Came here for quality of life and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The housing market is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
38 upvotes
Liam Hall
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Austin about 3 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is tough.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
38 upvotes
robert_girl
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
32 upvotes
Natalie R.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Hope this helps!.
27 upvotes
Johnny W.
seconding this
25 upvotes
Caleb
I work in marketing here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is improving. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
18 upvotes
Ezekiel Green
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
11 upvotes
austinchef2021
been saying this for years
10 upvotes
Claire Jackson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Austin about 3 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are reasonable, gas is improving.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
9 upvotes
Ariana Collins
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
6 upvotes
Eleanor King
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 49, moved here 1 years ago from Miami. I've lived in South and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The dating scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Miami, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
5 upvotes
Samuel Walker
Came here for work and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The walkability is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.