Hey folks, Homes are going for about $859,400 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Broadlands sits at 118.6 per 100K. With a population of 14,673, Broadlands is a small town. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. 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. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
11 upvotes
12 Replies
Kelly M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 6 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
portland_nova
interesting, hadn't considered that
38 upvotes
Nora Thomas
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Internet is solid in most areas.
38 upvotes
John H.
Saving this thread
37 upvotes
Hudson Gutierrez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely excellent and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Downtown) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Limited public transit 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.
26 upvotes
Ezekiel Kelly
facts
24 upvotes
Leo T.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Houston about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is decent.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
16 upvotes
Andrew Kelly
it depends on the neighborhood
12 upvotes
Waylon
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
8 upvotes
Eva Collins
same here
8 upvotes
Scarlett Perez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely improving and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Springfield) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. job market 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.
5 upvotes
Violet Moore
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 2 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..