Hey, I relocated for work and Poverty rate is 12.1%, which is around average. The unemployment rate is 3.4%, which is pretty low. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
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Luna M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 45, moved here 11 years ago from LA. I've lived in Downtown and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The community vibe situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for singles. pretty good 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 LA, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.