I'm a college student here and Median household income is $63,807, which feels about average for the area. Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. The unemployment rate is 4.9%, which is about average. Poverty rate is 10.1%, which is around average. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up.
30 upvotes
12 Replies
Gabriel Lopez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from New York about 1 years ago. The main reasons were family and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are stable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
39 upvotes
Ezekiel Adams
same here
36 upvotes
Allison K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 43, moved here 15 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Highland and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The healthcare situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
33 upvotes
charlottesoul2022
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
32 upvotes
tulsa_mia
I work in finance here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is underrated. Feel free to reach out with questions..
28 upvotes
Ezekiel Hill
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in North. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in legal. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
27 upvotes
Isabelle T.
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
26 upvotes
Noah Kelly
I work in finance here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is pretty good. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
23 upvotes
Lisa B.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from San Diego about 11 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are stable, gas is excellent.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
23 upvotes
Anna Watson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 14 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
18 upvotes
Ella Alvarez
literally same
10 upvotes
Terry B.
I've lived in East for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The dating scene scene is decent
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
All Countries
