Been meaning to ask this. I'm a teacher here and Crime rate is something to consider -Brownwood sits at 327.2 per 100K. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Has anyone dealt with this? TIA! It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
13 upvotes
15 Replies
dallas_wyatt
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 7 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into running, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Jacqueline N.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Cedar Grove. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
36 upvotes
isaiah_local
Totally agree!
29 upvotes
stl_alexander
great question, following
29 upvotes
Adrian Hall
This.
26 upvotes
Leah Adams
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
23 upvotes
Joseph H.
this is the way
17 upvotes
Donald W.
yep
16 upvotes
Emily A.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 3 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Feel free to reach out with questions..
12 upvotes
Nicholas T.
hard disagree but ok
9 upvotes
sdmind2022
as a local I can confirm
9 upvotes
Ian
Bought a house here in 2022 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone about the same since then.
8 upvotes
Anna Rodriguez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 8 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is improving - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are underrated. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Can feel isolated. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes
Aurora
Saving this thread
7 upvotes
Grace Harris
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 29, moved here 8 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Riverside and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The safety situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for families. pretty good 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 Seattle, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
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