Hi all, I relocated for work and Poverty rate is 14.1%, which is around average. Homes are going for about $125,800 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Duncan sits at 166.0 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 3.4%, which is pretty low. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Does this match your experience? Any help is appreciated. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to.
1 upvotes
14 Replies
Levi
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
37 upvotes
Caleb Diaz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 40, moved here 12 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Sunset and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The public transit situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Baltimore, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
36 upvotes
Grayson C.
nah I disagree
27 upvotes
Hunter S.
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in West area are underrated. Kids love it here.
26 upvotes
Stella M.
Saving this thread
23 upvotes
Bennett James
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. school system used to be much developing but now it's decent.
20 upvotes
Jaxon Castillo
I work in legal here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is improving. Good luck with whatever you decide..
19 upvotes
ruby_guy
This.
19 upvotes
lalife2023
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 9 years. Moved from Tampa for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are hit or miss. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Winters are long and cold. Can feel isolated. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Autumn Cox
glad someone said it
14 upvotes
Valentina Mitchell
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Fairview. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Asian.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
13 upvotes
Brielle Gonzalez
Moved here from Minneapolis about 5 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to cost of living but Good luck with whatever you decide..
13 upvotes
Emilia Adams
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely improving and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (South) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job 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.
11 upvotes
Piper Hall
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in North area are solid. Kids love it here.
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