My family moved here when I was a kid. Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. Rent is about $686/month for a decent place. It's a a small town city with about 8,430 people. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Am I overthinking this? Cheers. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
0 upvotes
7 Replies
Nathan W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 11 years. Moved from Miami for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are excellent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Summers can be brutally hot. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Valentina Reed
bump
25 upvotes
Carter Castillo
seconding this
23 upvotes
Willow Martin
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is nightlife. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
23 upvotes
Alice
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
15 upvotes
Bobby T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 46, moved here 9 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Downtown and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The pet-friendliness situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for couples. underrated 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 Chicago, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K 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.
8 upvotes
Everett Parker
Moved here from San Diego about 1 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to healthcare but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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