Alright, I work in food service and The median home value here is around $875,600, which is pretty steep. The unemployment rate is 0.6%, which is pretty low. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
7 upvotes
15 Replies
Donald W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 3 years. Moved from Boston for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is decent - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are challenging. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Homeless population growing downtown. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Lily Brown
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
36 upvotes
Theodore Ross
preach
31 upvotes
Brielle
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 55, moved here 3 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The outdoor recreation situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Houston, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K 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.
27 upvotes
Carson Patel
lol so true
23 upvotes
Ezekiel M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 3 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
22 upvotes
Daniel Anderson
not my experience at all
22 upvotes
Greyson Jackson
wish I knew this sooner
20 upvotes
Matthew Ramos
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from New York about 12 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Definitely worth checking out..
18 upvotes
Noah Myers
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
17 upvotes
Autumn B.
glad someone said it
14 upvotes
Cameron Gray
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Seattle about 10 years ago. The main reasons were family and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Affordable housing options
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are stable, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
12 upvotes
Alexander Taylor
Moved here last year, no regrets.
10 upvotes
tulsa_josiah
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The healthcare is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
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