Hello, The unemployment rate is 12.8%, which is concerning. With a population of 1,038, Despard is a small town. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Thoughts? The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
12 upvotes
15 Replies
Weston Nguyen
Moved here from San Francisco about 10 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to community vibe but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
39 upvotes
Aurora Allen
lol so true
39 upvotes
Eva Patel
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. community vibe used to be much reasonable but now it's decent.
33 upvotes
Emma R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in North. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Thai.
No regrets on my end..
28 upvotes
Genesis Rivera
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
22 upvotes
Hunter Garcia
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in West. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in legal. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
22 upvotes
Waylon Ramirez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 52, moved here 10 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in The Heights and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally underrated - 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 nightlife situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for families. surprisingly good 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 Nashville, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K 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.
16 upvotes
Weston Clark
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great Thai places. the quality of life is solid.
16 upvotes
Naomi Chavez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
16 upvotes
Cora
it depends on the neighborhood
16 upvotes
Autumn B.
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
10 upvotes
Addison Turner
Bought a house here in 2022 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone about the same since then.
5 upvotes
Levi Lee
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 57, moved here 3 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The job market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K 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.
4 upvotes
Clara R.
Used to live on the Riverside side, now on the South side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
1 upvotes
Violet Williams
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely underrated and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
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