Random thought, Poverty rate is 5.0%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $86,752, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. What would you do? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
10 upvotes
15 Replies
Sophie Morales
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 41, moved here 8 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Old Town and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The community vibe situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Dallas, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K 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.
39 upvotes
nyclover2023
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is housing market. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
34 upvotes
Isabelle
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
32 upvotes
Miles Peterson
I'm a contractor and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is average and there's always something going on.
32 upvotes
Levi R.
Used to live on the Sunset side, now on the Old Town side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
15 upvotes
Alice Lee
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Portland about 12 years ago. The main reasons were family and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are pricey, gas is improving.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Feel free to reach out with questions..
14 upvotes
Ella Scott
+1
12 upvotes
Joseph Sanders
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great farm-to-table places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
10 upvotes
Ariana L.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to San Francisco it's challenging.
9 upvotes
tucsonfan2020
it depends on the neighborhood
9 upvotes
mesalocal2020
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The cultural scene is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
8 upvotes
Jonathan Phillips
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 37, moved here 11 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Uptown and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The community vibe situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for families. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Tampa, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
6 upvotes
Jeremiah Reyes
Came here for weather and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The school system is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
6 upvotes
Leah Cooper
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in West area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
5 upvotes
Eleanor M.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Miami it's better than expected.
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