I work in retail and The unemployment rate is 4.5%, which is about average. Homes are going for about $94,400 on average. You can expect to pay around $826 for rent here. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Thanks in advance! There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
25 upvotes
7 Replies
Charles T.
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
40 upvotes
Kyle W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 24, moved here 14 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Riverside and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cost of living situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Boston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K 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.
33 upvotes
Parker Young
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
33 upvotes
Naomi Bennett
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
29 upvotes
Jayden Ramirez
been saying this for years
16 upvotes
Elena Edwards
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
5 upvotes
Willow Baker
Used to live on the Springfield side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
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