Anyone else feel this way? We have two kids and Average temperature is around 59--F, so the weather is moderate. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Worth the trade-offs? Thanks in advance! Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
1 upvotes
4 Replies
sdwalker2021
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 15 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
37 upvotes
Everly
Used to live on the Meadowbrook side, now on the Westside side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
30 upvotes
Ruby Myers
preach
14 upvotes
Adam Johnson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 44, moved here 9 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Old Town and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Phoenix, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K 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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