Longtime lurker here, We have two kids and The median home value here is around $805,200, which is pretty steep. Average temperature is around 44--F, so bundle up in winter. Homes are going for about $805,200 on average. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. 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. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
7 upvotes
9 Replies
Ian Kelly
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 10 years. Moved from Baltimore for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are decent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Homeless population growing downtown. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Grace Rogers
Came here for cost of living and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The cost of living is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
31 upvotes
Hailey
it depends on the neighborhood
28 upvotes
Ethan Stewart
yep
22 upvotes
Kinsley Kim
noted, appreciate it
19 upvotes
Daniel M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 55, moved here 4 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Old Town and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Property taxes are high
3. The housing market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for singles. average vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K 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.
18 upvotes
hudson_vibes
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 33, moved here 12 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Highland and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The pet-friendliness situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K 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.
16 upvotes
Joseph Jackson
100%
16 upvotes
Ava Jimenez
I'm a writer and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
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