Random thought, It's a a small town city with about 18,210 people. Homes are going for about $231,700 on average. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. Has anyone dealt with this? The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
15 upvotes
7 Replies
Theodore K.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Sunset. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in construction. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
39 upvotes
Easton
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Good luck with whatever you decide..
34 upvotes
Evelyn Gray
this is the way
31 upvotes
Scarlett G.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Dallas about 7 years ago. The main reasons were work and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Decent public transit for the size
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
15 upvotes
Skylar Howard
This.
7 upvotes
lake_aubrey3
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 44, moved here 14 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in East and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Property taxes are high
3. The cultural scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
7 upvotes
tampa_ryan
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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