Longtime lurker here, Been living here since 2013. Poverty rate is 14.5%, which is around average. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
3 upvotes
17 Replies
Miles M.
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The weather is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
40 upvotes
lake_emilia15
Can confirm, been here 12 years.
39 upvotes
Emmett R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from San Diego about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Affordable housing options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. No regrets on my end..
38 upvotes
Logan Foster
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 6 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to housing market but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
34 upvotes
stl_brooks
as a local I can confirm
33 upvotes
Grayson Evans
couldn't agree more
31 upvotes
Grace Cruz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 43, moved here 1 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Property taxes are high
3. The healthcare situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
23 upvotes
Joseph Ramirez
wish I knew this sooner
23 upvotes
Sadie Parker
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
20 upvotes
Angela C.
Came here for retirement and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The weather is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
19 upvotes
Declan Ruiz
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
18 upvotes
Autumn Scott
Totally agree!
11 upvotes
Avery J.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
10 upvotes
Aurora Brown
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 24, moved here 7 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Midtown and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Good schools in most areas
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The nightlife situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Dallas, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
9 upvotes
Maya Patel
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Raleigh about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Good luck with whatever you decide..
8 upvotes
Leah Sanchez
nah I disagree
2 upvotes
Josiah Bailey
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
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