Hey, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Homes are going for about $392,900 on average. The suburbs are where most families end up. Thanks for reading. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
15 upvotes
7 Replies
Josiah W.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely average and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Springfield) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
40 upvotes
Betty G.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if cultural scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
40 upvotes
Aaron R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Dallas about 13 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are stable, gas is improving.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
36 upvotes
Nathan
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
31 upvotes
atl_grace
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 11 years. Moved from Phoenix for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. South schools are decent. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Road conditions need improvement. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Vivian Martin
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Minneapolis it's tough.
13 upvotes
Helen F.
I've lived in Sunset for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
- The walkability scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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