Not sure if this has been asked before, but Poverty rate is 5.0%, which is pretty low. It's a a smaller city city with about 61,129 people. The median home value here is around $252,300, which seems about average. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. What would you do? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
4 upvotes
27 Replies
Madelyn Foster
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 5 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
40 upvotes
Everly Hill
Moved here from Tampa about 7 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to healthcare but Hope this helps!.
40 upvotes
Ethan C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 11 years. Moved from Houston for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are tough. 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. Limited entertainment options. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Katherine
I work in retail here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is excellent. No regrets on my end..
33 upvotes
Joseph Lewis
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
33 upvotes
Samuel Miller
big facts right here
33 upvotes
Lydia Baker
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Uptown) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. weather 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.
31 upvotes
autumn_living
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
30 upvotes
Evan
Bought a house here in 2015 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
30 upvotes
lake_serenity17
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. housing market used to be much stable but now it's improving.
28 upvotes
Wesley Morris
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
26 upvotes
indy_carter
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
22 upvotes
Everly Ward
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. No regrets on my end..
22 upvotes
Ethan Patel
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
20 upvotes
Abigail M.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is improving in most areas.
17 upvotes
Matthew Martinez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Chicago it's decent.
15 upvotes
Maverick Sanders
nah I disagree
14 upvotes
Isabelle Davis
not my experience at all
13 upvotes
Sarah Mitchell
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Riverside area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
9 upvotes
Kai Peterson
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. community vibe used to be much established but now it's underrated.
8 upvotes
Greyson M.
it depends on the neighborhood
8 upvotes
Maya Gutierrez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 39, moved here 10 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Uptown and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The healthcare situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for singles. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Diego, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K 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.
4 upvotes
Axel Moore
seconding this
3 upvotes
Landon L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 28, moved here 4 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Old Town and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cost of living situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Atlanta, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K 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.
3 upvotes
river_zoe29
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great Indian places. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
2 upvotes
Evelyn
following this thread
2 upvotes
David Brooks
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Phoenix it's solid.
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