Anyone else feel this way? I'm a remote worker and The unemployment rate is 1.7%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $838/month for a decent place. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. What are your go-to spots? Thanks for reading. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
5 upvotes
3 Replies
Grayson L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 27, moved here 14 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Old Town and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The outdoor recreation situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Austin, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
29 upvotes
Evelyn Perez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
19 upvotes
Adam Gutierrez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely solid and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Midtown) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.