Curious what people think. Rent is about $1,034/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $76,800 on average. Average temperature is around 52°F, so expect cold winters. You can expect to pay around $1,034 for rent here. The median home value here is around $76,800, which is actually reasonable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
Pros:
- Good job market
- Close to nature
- Good healthcare facilities
- Walkable downtown
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons:
- Traffic can be terrible
- Lack of diversity
- Homelessness issues downtown
It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
64 upvotes
14 Replies
Levi Green
+1
40 upvotes
Paisley G.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
38 upvotes
Melanie Ruiz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Portland about 13 years ago. The main reasons were work and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Good luck with whatever you decide..
36 upvotes
Carter Gomez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 3 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
31 upvotes
Sophia
exactly what I was thinking
21 upvotes
Olivia Reed
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
21 upvotes
Chloe Adams
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
21 upvotes
luca_rider
yeah no that's not right
18 upvotes
Jayden Wood
Used to live on the East side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
15 upvotes
Valentina C.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
13 upvotes
Adam Adams
Used to live on the Downtown side, now on the South side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
10 upvotes
Nathan H.
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much growing but now it's average.
8 upvotes
Ariana Cooper
I've lived in East for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
- The job market scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Would recommend to anyone considering it..