Anyone else feel this way? I'm a college student here and You can expect to pay around $2,678 for rent here. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Worth the trade-offs? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
49 upvotes
5 Replies
Kinsley
yep
40 upvotes
Angel Brooks
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 15 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
30 upvotes
Brooklyn Hughes
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
24 upvotes
Santiago E.
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Downtown area are excellent. Kids love it here.
17 upvotes
John Walker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 41, moved here 11 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Uptown and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The dating scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 San Francisco, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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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