Longtime lurker here, I'm a remote worker and Homes are going for about $233,300 on average. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Any advice would be great. Thanks! The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
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Adeline S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 40, moved here 14 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Old Town and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
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. Rising rent and home prices
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The cultural scene situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K 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.
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