I'm a 45-year-old teacher and The unemployment rate is 3.5%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $325,700 on average. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Is this normal for Denton? The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
44 upvotes
14 Replies
Axel Kim
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from San Francisco about 8 years ago. The main reasons were family and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are developing, gas is solid.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Definitely worth checking out..
38 upvotes
Aurora Allen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 37, moved here 5 years ago from Boston. I've lived in North and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - 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 traffic situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for young professionals. hit or miss 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 Boston, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
37 upvotes
Aria W.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 11 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
36 upvotes
Asher M.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
34 upvotes
hannah_runner
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Meadowbrook area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
34 upvotes
Ethan Gonzalez
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
28 upvotes
aurora_native
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 4 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are underrated. 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. Can feel isolated. Dating scene is rough. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Alexander R.
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The dating scene is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
24 upvotes
Jonathan
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
23 upvotes
Brielle Kelly
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is dating scene. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
17 upvotes
Jayden Taylor
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
17 upvotes
Dylan B.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
14 upvotes
Hailey Nguyen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 33, moved here 8 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The public transit situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for families. average vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
14 upvotes
Brielle C.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
All Countries
