Hey, The median home value here is around $209,200, which is actually reasonable. Rent is about $709/month for a decent place. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
0 upvotes
4 Replies
Hailey Hughes
bump
29 upvotes
Skylar Rivera
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 31, moved here 8 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Highland and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Can feel isolated
3. The job market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Seattle, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K 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.
25 upvotes
Caleb Lopez
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The weather is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
19 upvotes
Thomas Peterson
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..