First post here. Military spouse here. Homes are going for about $626,000 on average. Median household income is $152,969, which feels pretty solid for the area. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
6 upvotes
4 Replies
Sadie Edwards
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
37 upvotes
Vivian S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 29, moved here 1 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in The Heights and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The traffic situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for singles. decent vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 San Diego, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K 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.
20 upvotes
Dominic
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from LA about 3 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is solid.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Would recommend to anyone considering it..