Hey, Poverty rate is 3.2%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $615,900 on average. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Should I be concerned? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
14 upvotes
4 Replies
maverick_local
I've lived in Uptown for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The job market scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Definitely worth checking out..
40 upvotes
Lydia Collins
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Eastside) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
9 upvotes
Ethan Phillips
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Old Town. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in retail. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
3 upvotes
Julia
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Austin about 10 years ago. The main reasons were school and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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