Hey everyone, I'm originally from Phoenix and Homes are going for about $295,600 on average. The median home value here is around $295,600, which seems about average. Poverty rate is 4.9%, which is pretty low. The unemployment rate is 1.3%, which is pretty low. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. What do you all think? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
10 upvotes
20 Replies
Isaac Mendoza
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 11 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
37 upvotes
Weston Rodriguez
hmm interesting perspective
37 upvotes
Henry Clark
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely decent and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (North) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
37 upvotes
Ralph S.
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
33 upvotes
Emily R.
lol so true
31 upvotes
Zoey Diaz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 45, moved here 13 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Downtown and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The safety situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for couples. decent 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 Dallas, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K 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.
31 upvotes
vegasvibes2021
Bought a house here in 2024 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone about the same since then.
27 upvotes
Eugene A.
Totally agree!
26 upvotes
bella_vibes
+1
25 upvotes
Harper
yep
25 upvotes
Asher M.
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great sushi places. it exceeded my expectations.
23 upvotes
Adeline Hill
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Good luck with whatever you decide..
20 upvotes
Carson Morris
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Miami about 2 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are manageable, gas is decent.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
17 upvotes
Adrian
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 34, moved here 3 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The weather situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Houston, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
13 upvotes
Alice Cox
Bought a house here in 2020 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
12 upvotes
Lydia Clark
not my experience at all
10 upvotes
Mackenzie Ruiz
Can confirm, been here 4 years.
7 upvotes
mesafan2024
facts
6 upvotes
Ava Garcia
yeah no that's not right
5 upvotes
Jayden Wright
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely improving and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Midtown) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
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