Been meaning to ask this. Poverty rate is 8.1%, which is pretty low. It's a a small town city with about 1,053 people. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Should I be concerned? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
9 upvotes
4 Replies
Aaron B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 50, moved here 1 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Eastside and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The housing market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Charlotte, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K 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.
30 upvotes
silas_life
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Limited shopping options.
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.
27 upvotes
Axel Lee
Saving this thread
21 upvotes
Levi Thomas
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely solid and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Midtown) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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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