Hi all, Poverty rate is 7.4%, which is pretty low.
13 upvotes
6 Replies
Ian M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 3 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
40 upvotes
Christian Wright
I've lived in Downtown for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The cultural scene scene is solid
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Hope this helps!.
31 upvotes
Ellie O.
Moved here from Houston about 4 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Hope this helps!.
6 upvotes
James
haha yep pretty much
5 upvotes
Samantha G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 35, moved here 11 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in West and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The pet-friendliness situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for singles. average vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Atlanta, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K 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.
3 upvotes
Camila Roberts
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 4 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. 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 surfing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.