Random thought, It's a a small town city with about 23,265 people. Median household income is $85,422, which feels pretty solid for the area. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
0 upvotes
2 Replies
Gabriella
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 32, moved here 4 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Midtown and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The walkability situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for families. average vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Portland, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K 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.
26 upvotes
proud_genesis48
I work in consulting here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is better than expected. Hope this helps!.