Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Worth the trade-offs? Cheers. The city has invested a lot in new development.
11 upvotes
8 Replies
Jason B.
Can confirm, been here 8 years.
38 upvotes
Miles Hall
I've been living here for 13 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The healthcare is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
35 upvotes
John
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great craft beer places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
31 upvotes
Madelyn
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely excellent and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Westside) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
28 upvotes
Everett Morris
same here
18 upvotes
Claire Mendoza
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is decent in most areas.
18 upvotes
Andrew
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
17 upvotes
Sophie Morales
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 26, moved here 6 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Westside and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The pet-friendliness situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for singles. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.