I'm a remote worker and Average temperature is around 49--F, so expect cold winters. Median household income is $128,167, which feels pretty solid for the area. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Any help is appreciated.
56 upvotes
6 Replies
Sebastian Sanders
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Meadowbrook area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
40 upvotes
Matthew
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Houston about 8 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
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 growing, gas is decent.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
32 upvotes
Skylar Anderson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 30, moved here 2 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in North and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The public transit situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Baltimore, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
30 upvotes
Elijah Collins
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely pretty good and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
29 upvotes
proud_jace35
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
22 upvotes
houston_elijah
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 7 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into running, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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