Hey, I'm a 45-year-old accountant and Crime rate is something to consider -Brownsville sits at 263.3 per 100K. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
5 upvotes
9 Replies
Audrey H.
great question, following
40 upvotes
Theodore P.
thanks for sharing
38 upvotes
Samuel Foster
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
36 upvotes
Declan Walker
I work in hospitality here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is tough. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
36 upvotes
Santiago Rodriguez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 36, moved here 14 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Highland and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The pet-friendliness situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for families. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 pricey. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K 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.
20 upvotes
Jonathan Anderson
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is outdoor recreation. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
19 upvotes
Ethan Myers
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 15 years. Moved from Minneapolis for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are challenging. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Nightlife is limited. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Nicholas Jones
Used to live on the South side, now on the Meadowbrook side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
5 upvotes
Samuel C.
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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