Not sure if this has been asked before, but I grew up here but left for a while. The median home value here is around $1,453,900, which is pretty steep. Average temperature is around 66--F, so the weather is moderate. Median household income is $157,938, which feels pretty solid for the area. Poverty rate is 5.9%, which is pretty low. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
14 upvotes
3 Replies
Gabriel Gomez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 42, moved here 4 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Eastside and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The healthcare situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Miami, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
40 upvotes
Maya C.
I work in healthcare here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
32 upvotes
Aubrey C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 5 years. Moved from Dallas for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is tough - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are surprisingly good. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Far from beaches/mountains. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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