Been meaning to ask this. Been living here since 2008. The median home value here is around $411,600, which is pretty steep. Homes are going for about $411,600 on average. Median household income is $140,722, which feels pretty solid for the area. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. What do you all think? Cheers. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
14 upvotes
2 Replies
Hannah Patel
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 53, moved here 12 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Lakewood and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The housing market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K 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.
14 upvotes
Isaac Moore
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 29, moved here 11 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in West and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited shopping options
3. The weather situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for couples. average vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Dallas, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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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