Not sure if this has been asked before, but With a population of 278K, Chandler is a mid-size city. Poverty rate is 5.5%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $1,806/month for a decent place. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Am I wrong here? Cheers. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
0 upvotes
10 Replies
Jack K.
I'm a nurse and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
40 upvotes
Harper R.
Moved here from Tampa about 9 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to safety but Good luck with whatever you decide..
38 upvotes
William
I've lived in South for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good internet infrastructure
- The healthcare scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
33 upvotes
Addison R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Portland about 15 years ago. The main reasons were work and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are affordable, gas is challenging.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
24 upvotes
Kaylee Lewis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 54, moved here 4 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Old Town and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The traffic situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. excellent 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 Austin, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
23 upvotes
Oliver Foster
hmm interesting perspective
16 upvotes
Victoria Torres
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
15 upvotes
Delilah Phillips
spot on
7 upvotes
Evan Collins
Moved here from Chicago about 10 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to food scene but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
2 upvotes
Jonathan Price
Bought a house here in 2022 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone about the same since then.