Hey folks, I'm retired and Median household income is $60,964, which feels about average for the area. Average temperature is around 74--F, so it's warm year-round. The median home value here is around $282,500, which seems about average. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. Any advice would be great. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
30 upvotes
10 Replies
Caroline Ramirez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Lakewood. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
No regrets on my end..
39 upvotes
Emmett Torres
Came here for retirement and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The healthcare is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
37 upvotes
atl_isaac
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 55, moved here 10 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in South and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Close to major attractions
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The school system situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 San Francisco, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K 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.
34 upvotes
Clara Jackson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in The Heights. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in retail. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Thai.
No regrets on my end..
28 upvotes
Stella Morris
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 27, moved here 1 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Old Town and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The job market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. challenging 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 Chicago, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
22 upvotes
Abigail M.
thanks for sharing
17 upvotes
Brielle M.
I'm a social worker and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
16 upvotes
Oliver Ruiz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Seattle about 15 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is improving.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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