Been meaning to ask this. The unemployment rate is 3.3%, which is pretty low. Am I wrong here? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
20 upvotes
6 Replies
Jace Hall
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 3 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
38 upvotes
nolan_papa
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 34, moved here 6 years ago from Miami. I've lived in The Heights and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Affordable housing options
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. Nightlife is limited
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The housing market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Miami, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
30 upvotes
tampa_connor
glad someone said it
18 upvotes
Rebecca W.
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
18 upvotes
Kinsley Gonzalez
Used to live on the The Heights side, now on the Maple Ridge side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
18 upvotes
Bennett
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 5 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Hope this helps!.
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