Hello, I'm a 37-year-old graphic designer and The unemployment rate is 1.7%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $337,200 on average. 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. Thoughts? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
15 upvotes
4 Replies
Joseph C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from San Francisco about 13 years ago. The main reasons were weather and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
29 upvotes
Chloe G.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Old Town. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in retail. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Definitely worth checking out..
25 upvotes
Brooks Allen
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
19 upvotes
Luke Morris
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Boston about 13 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is excellent.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. It's not for everyone but it works for us..